What’s up Mental Health Neighbors! In this episode of the Real Humans Podcast, Tristan speaks with Ayorkor Adjei about how using sign language early in her life prepared her for a future of working to bridge the gap between the hearing and the Deaf.

Ayorkor spent the first 11 yrs of her life in the Bronx, NY. During this time she learned sign language from her older brother, who is hard of hearing, so that they could communicate with each other. This makes her the sibling of a deaf adult or SODA.

Fast forward, now she utilizes her ASL interpreting skills in various settings, such as religious, theatrical, musical, educational, medical, Video Relay Service (VRS), and conferences. She particularly comes alive when interpreting music in Christian worship settings. 

Ayorkor’s passion comes through as we dive deep into what it was like for her growing up with a sibling who is hard of hearing, jump roping double-dutch (her other passion), and how she is working to help hearing parents connect and build relationships with their children who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

We laugh a lot in this episode. So get ready! Enjoy the conversation. 

In this episode, you’ll hear: 

• Ayorkor’s early experiences in the Bronx 

• Growing up with a sibling who is hard of hearing 

• The nickname that has followed her into adulthood 

• Her Ghanian mom advocating for her brother in the American healthcare system

• Acculturation and Codeswitching (in the deaf and hard of hearing community…YES!) 

• Personal and professional costs of pursuing her passion

• The importance of parents having expectations for their children with disabilities

• How God has used Ayorkor in ASL work 

Resources

Connect with Ayorkor!

National Association of the Deaf

Deaf Action Center of North Texas

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