September is Deaf Awareness Month!
September 16: Heather Whitestone
Heather Whitestone (born 1973 in Dothan, Alabama) became famous when she was crowned Miss America 1995, becoming the first deaf woman to win the title. Deafened as an infant, she learned to speak and lip-read through intensive speech therapy and special education, which allowed her to compete and perform publicly using spoken-word and lip-read communication.
Her Miss America platform and public story drew attention to the abilities and potential of people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and she used the title to advocate for deaf awareness, early intervention, and educational access.
After her reign, Heather has worked as a motivational speaker, author, and advocate—writing books for adults and children, speaking at events about overcoming adversity, and supporting charities and programs that serve people with disabilities.
She later chose to receive a cochlear implant, which she has discussed publicly as part of her personal journey with hearing technologies. Today she remains active in outreach and faith-based speaking, continuing to promote inclusion, early intervention for hearing loss, and encouragement for families and individuals navigating disability.
Heather Whitestone on Wikipedia: wikipedia.org/wiki/Heather_Whitestone