Deaf but Still Capible

So, I just got done with a huge presentation in ED 211. We were in groups and it was our job to present a chapter to the rest of the class.  My partner and I were assigned to talk about students with hearing impairments.  As we were doing our research we came across some modern day deaf musicians.  I was very impressed!  Mandy Harvey is the name of one of these artists.  She was my favorite of all of them we looked at.  Mandy Harvey was not born deaf.  She had always had problems with her hearing due to infections she had as a child.  Her hearing problem was not severe until she reached college.  Becoming deaf was very hard on her, as she wanted to become a vocal music professor.  She eventually discovered that she could still continue singing.  She has perfect pitch, which enables her to remember how notes sounded even though she can no longer hear them.  By looking at the piano accompanist she is able to determine her pitches and stay in time.  I think that she is incredible to listen to!  Here is a link to the video we used in class if you have time and feel like listening.  http://www.mandyharveymusic.com/

We also used a song by Sean Forbes.  He has been deaf throughout his entire life, but he loves music.  This has inspired him to become a musician.  He is able to feel the music, so he raps to the beat that he feels.  I think it is really cool to watch him and see how he was determined to do what he knew he loved even though he had an obstacle in his way.  I really like how he uses sign language while he is rapping.  It fits surprisingly well with the style of music.  If you want to see his rap video you can go here.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5l-2Jo14cQ

I think the thing that amazed me the most about these two artists was not their talent (which they have a lot of), but their determination to do something that most people would tell them is impossible.  Too often we listen to others when they tell us we can't do something, or we ourselves tell others that doing something is impossible for them.  We get it in our minds that certain people cannot do certain things, when I think we should really be asking why can't they do it and how can we help them accomplish it?  If only we all had the determination and attitude that these two musicians have!