Melanie Justice doesn't let being deaf deter her
Melanie has demonstrated incredible movement toward independence as she works to overcome her inability to hear. Melanie was deaf when she was born. In the last year, Melanie has gone from not hearing at all and being dependent on sign language and reading lips, to hearing through the help of modern technology, hard work, and determination.
Melanie underwent a major surgery where an implant was placed in her ear. Now, Melanie is learning what it’s like to hear. Melanie worked with Goodwill in her problem solving skills, and she had to change her long-standing modes of communication and learn about the new noises that she hears in her surroundings: workplace, home and environment.
Through this undertaking, Melanie missed minimal work and continued to increase her job readiness and problem solving. During this process, Melanie remained positive and took it all as a teaching/learning experience.
Looking ahead, it is possible that this implanted device may not work some day; however, Melanie remains in positive spirits about the experience. She continues to practice her sign language, and continues to teach her staff, peers and co-workers sign language. Melanie also attends Goodwill’s DayHab where she consistently brings sign language books and sign language bingo, incorporating it into their activities for the day.
With dignity and personal growth, Melanie overcame many barriers to independence in this past year. She underwent surgery for an implant that was very risky, and the doctors weren’t even sure if the device would work. Melanie’s experience showcases her determination, and through her experience, she successfully has done something that people didn’t even think or know was possible.
No surprise that Melanie Justice was honored with an Achievement Award in 2011 for the daunting steps she has taken toward greater independence.
