By ALESHA CADET
Tribune Features Reporter
acadet@tribunemedia.net
FACING various obstacles growing up as a child with a hearing impairment has taught K’noll Brown that brighter days are always ahead.
Describing herself as “unique” and “outspoken,” K’noll said she loves being a part of the deaf community in the Bahamas. She said being deaf makes her a valued person of a minority community.
Working in a career field that involves deaf children, K’noll enjoys teaching the kids how they can become stronger individuals in life. She appreciates apps such as Whatsapp, Viber, Skype and Facebook that help her in communicating with her friends and family.
K’noll, 30, believes one of the most pressing issues in the country for the deaf community is the lack of communication between the hearing and the deaf. She said communication for deaf individuals is complicated and to her knowledge, at least 85 per cent of people that can hear don’t have the adequate time to actually take out and communicate with a deaf individual. She looks at the remaining 15 per cent as God sent.
“I would have to admit, I had to truly accept myself for who I am in order to strive throughout my obstacles,” she told Tribune Health.
“Many times I was pushed around and brought down but at the end of each day, I realised I had two choices - give up on life or keep pushing. I am very humble and being humble keeps my soul calm from all negativity and/or from all harmful situations that I may face.
“I love travelling to different countries; it’s a hobby of mine. People assume that I am a quiet person because I’m deaf but, honestly, I speak my mind frequently to the public. I love to sing (not well) but nevertheless I love my voice; it is God’s gift to me.”
It was her family members, particularly her father, whom had a major influence on her growth as a person. K’noll said her dad has always supported her in every decision she has made in life. She said her family truly loves her and would often make sacrifices just so she can live a better life. She pointed out that her family would always take time out of their busy schedules to hear her out.
Life for K’noll started at Wilson Tract (East Street) before moving to Freeport and then back to New Providence to Pinewood Gardens. For a few months she lived in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is now back in Pinewood Gardens.
K’noll also expressed that as well as helping deaf children she truly loves helping people in general, especially those who have a disability.
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