Growing Up Using Hearing Aids, Transitioning to Cochlear Implants, and Becoming my Own Best Advocate

Sam Mellert, a CI recipient and son of ACI Alliance Board Member Barbara Mellert, shared his hearing loss journey to becoming his own best advocate in the May 2023 issue of Calling. The full story is available at here.

Sam also spoke at the Granite State College May 2022 Commencement ceremony. Sam shared his inspirational educational journey as a profoundly deaf person pursuing a college degree as an adult learner working full-time. Sam’s remarks demonstrate the opportunity afforded by his CIs as well as the strong parental and self advocacy throughout his childhood. Sam’s speech starts at the 38-minute mark in the video.

Listen to the video here.

Read his article here.

Empowering the Next Generation of CI Users

Kennedy Patlan, a 24-year recipient of bilateral cochlear implants helped us open CI2019 in Miami by sharing her experience and empowering future users. Kennedy graduated magna cum laude from Syracuse University and currently resides in Washington, DC. Here are highlights from her well received speech to the conference attendees.

Kennedy Patlan's full story

Special Guest Kennedy Patlan Speaking at CI 2019 Miami | ACI Alliance

NEVER LET YOUR DISABILITY DEFINE YOU

Jessica Chaikof, Senior, Wheaton College in Norton, MA

Throughout my life, my parents have always told me to never let my disability define me. As a deaf person who hears and speaks well with cochlear implants and attends mainstream schools, I will not lie and say that it has been easy or that my disability does not get in my way. There have been many occasions when I just wanted to give up because I felt tired. However, I must keep moving forward because I need to realize that people with disabilities are the strongest because they encounter far more challenges than anyone else.

Jessica Chaikof's Full Story

COLLEGE STUDENT EXPERIENCING INDEPENDENCE

Ashley Jackson is a college student drawing on her own experience of being deaf and blind to pursue a degree in Family and Consumer Science.  Cochlear implants are helping her reach her academic goals and plan a future helping families that have children with special needs. 

Ashley Jackson's Portrait