Ade Haugen
Adrienne aka “Ade” (pronounced as ‘aide’) Haugen was born in Virginia, Minnesota in 1948. At the age of six months, her family moved to Duluth, Minnesota. It was discovered that her congenital hearing loss was present in late infancy. When she was four, a body hearing aid was prescribed along with speech and lipreading therapy at the University of Minnesota - Duluth Speech and Pathology Department headed by Dr. Robert Pierce. In 1974 a genetic test showed that the hearing and a discovered vision loss was caused by Usher Syndrome Type 2a. Her career path had adjustments as vision progressively declined. Her career paths were mainly as a cosmetologist, administrative specialist and group home caregiver. In 1997, she became active in advocacy tasks for the blind, hard of hearing and DeafBlind communities locally, statewide, and nationally. Expanded novice experiences in organizational management and grant work opened up her Minnesota Speaking DeafBlind Group supported by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Ade communicates in speech; however, she also uses basic signing and pro-tactile (PT) cues when needed.
Usher syndrome type 2 is a genetic condition of severe-profound hearing loss at birth and a progression of vision loss from Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). This dual-sensorial loss requires a lifetime of adjustments in the arena of communication accessibility. Each decade of 70-+ years turned into a new chapter with surprises in her journey of challenges. Each turn of an event brought in a support system from her family and professionals who understand the issues and process of Usher syndrome. “I have been blessed beyond measure in what I am able to do today. Tomorrow will be another day and, once again, figuring out what can be confronted and what can give me communication access to society.”
Ade has been retired from full-time work since 1986 with the USAF Recruiting Services toward part-time jobs until 1994 when she went on full disability status.
From her lifetime driven motivation to serve others, Ade volunteered in various committees and leadership positions focused on increasing awareness and advocacy. Her personal responsibility in service activities was to use her best abilities and to fulfill any mission that she undertakes; and, to wisely pay attention to details that works well in accordance with her hearing and vision losses.
“My enjoyment from my past careers intertwined with my current advocacy work has been gratifying when I witness satisfied successes that enhances quality of survival life to those I’ve served. The inspiration comes from the influences of my parents, from years of faith formation and from special role models.”
Ade shares the following childhood advice paraphrased from her polio affected father: “The word ‘handicap’ should be taken as an advantage rather than a disadvantage. Never accept ‘crippled’ or ‘disabled’…but be ABLED.” More advice: When given a lemon then make lemonade! There is always a way, no matter how small, to succeed toward any mission desired to accomplish. Everyone’s life journey of challenges has a goal to achieve by keeping the faith, hope and advocating for yourself and for others who need the support as well.”
Ade’s hobbies include playing improv jazz on the piano and organ. “I listen to a song that I like and then play it by memory using my own version of style.” She also enjoys researching “just about anything; and, from what I collect for information I utilize to enhance my life — be it for physical, mental or spiritual health.” Ade also likes to experiment with spices and herbs in her cooking especially when making her “Stuff Soup” which is never the same! So far, Ade’s “Stuff Soup” has resulted in positive compliments!
Ade is always looking for helpful articles and links that contribute to her Minnesota Speaking DeafBlind Group website’s resources.
In parting, Ade shares a thought: “Life with hearing loss and some with vision loss requires a combined community support effort. The effort from all versions of communication paths must focus on learning from each other…creativity to communicate effectively. Progressive loss(es) of hearing and or vision can happen as we all ages through life and together we all can serve one another. As I have been a Lions Club member since 1999 their motto is: We Serve! and, Together We Can!”
The #CanDoAnything campaign showcases people who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing at work, giving them an opportunity to share what they do at their jobs and explain how communication access works for them. This campaign shows what our community can do, which is anything!
