If you’re a kid or parent wondering if it’s possible to travel and explore the world with a disability then you must read Kara’s story. Kara is Deafblind and was diagnosed with Ushers Syndrome type 1 in early childhood.
If you’re a kid or parent wondering if it’s possible to travel and explore the world with a disability then you must read Kara’s story. Kara is Deafblind and was diagnosed with Ushers Syndrome type 1 in early childhood.
That has not stopped Kara from independently visiting 30 countries with more plans to travel the world. Kara’s mantra is to live your life to the fullest as you only live once!
If you were to dress up in a HERO costume who would you be and why? Supergirl. She has the same name as me, Kara. And I would love to be able to fly!
What is your current Deaf/ Hearing identity? I am Deafblind or I am Deaf with low vision but I prefer to be identified as Deafblind.
Please share your childhood story and diagnosis. At three months old, I was diagnosed as profoundly deaf. It was not until I was about four that my condition was identified as Usher Syndrome type 1. This means I have hearing loss and Retinitis Pigmentosa resulting in a gradual loss of peripheral vision (tunnel vision). I still have central vision left.
What support did you and your family receive? It was difficult for my parents as they did not know many people that had Ushers, especially kids around my age. Most of the people we came across with Ushers were adults. There was also limited information about Ushers at the time of diagnosis.
What was the turning point for your family? My parents became good friends with a lady who had Ushers and she guided my parents on how best to support me in learning how to read and type braille. She also recommended mobility training and using the cane.
What was your school experience like? I attended four schools, two used Auslan, and the other two used the oral method. So, I grew up learning both methods of communication. During my teen years to my twenties, I did not identify myself as Deafblind and preferred to identify myself as Deaf. After meeting more Deafblind people during my time in the United Kingdom, I started to accept that I was Deafblind with Ushers.
What role has your family played in your journey to self-acceptance? My family has always been there for me. From as young as I can remember, they have encouraged me and made me believe that I can do whatever I put my mind to. I am a more independent woman as a result who has achieved many things in her life and will continue to do so for many years to come.
The HEARO Team often talks about the “Yes, I can” moment when we overcome an obstacle or achieve something that might have seemed impossible before. Do you have a moment like that to share with us? I have done lots of different things in my life because I don’t want to be limited by disability. One time, I decided to quit my job and apply for an ancestry visa to live and work in the UK for up to five years. I moved there without a job and not knowing if I would succeed. I managed to get a job after the first job interview I attended. I thought I would live there for two years but it ended up being nearly five years! So I always say if you have a dream, Go for it. Do whatever is needed to see your dream come true.
Speaking of dreams, what dreams do you have for the future? I hope to travel to many more countries in the world. So far, I have travelled to 30 countries.
Is there one more thing you’d like to share with a young person who is deaf or hard of hearing? Be yourself. You can do it no matter what goal it is. Just go and try!