Deaf teen shows sign of the times

RICHMOND River High School in Lismore has provided Danielle Maher with the perfect pad to launch herself into helping make lives for others a bit easier.

The 17-year-old, who was born profoundly deaf in one ear and with about 50 per cent hearing in the other, spoke about being a buddy to a Year 7 student, also hearing impaired.

“This student can ask me anything because we have a commonality, and we understand each other,” she said.

“I guess it's better to have me around than someone who maybe can't quite grasp the essentials of what is being said.

“That's why I'd like to see sign language introduced into schools as a choice in Years 9 and 10, just like French and Italian.”

Danielle is a foundation member of the LEO Club, joining so she could give back to the community with her friends. She is still on the executive.

“It's special to me because we don't have limitations on what we can do or who we help within our guidelines of course,” she said.

“We walked the Relay for Life on a very cold night last year. In the big scheme of things, the cold was nothing. We can cheat the cold and warm up, but not everyone cheats cancer.

“I'm a member of the school's Student Equity Group and, along with other members, held Rainbow Days at the school, giving everyone the opportunity to explore their own sexuality in a comfortable environment with their peers. I'd like to think I can use my impairment in a positive way by attending university and getting my Bachelor of Education and my Masters in Special Education. Then I can support students with impairments.”