August 6, 2020 - Eric Nooker grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin. When he was two he was tested because he was not responding to loud noises, and his parents were told he needed hearing aids. His parents then enrolled him in early childhood with other Deaf and hard of hearing children. Eric’s great-uncle (his grandmother’s brother) is Deaf and was a valuable resource for his parents when they found out their son was hard of hearing. His sister is also hard of hearing as well.
Eric wore hearing aids and used assistive listening devices (ALDs), had FM systems and boots, and sign language interpreters in his classes. His family learned sign language to communicate with him and his sister. Eric’s parents and siblings also were supportive and understanding of his communication needs.
He was mainstreamed through all years in public K-12 schools after being in a deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) pre-kindergarten program, and grew up with other DHH peers attending the same school, and often in the same classes. Having DHH peers in his classes and in his school was a wonderful support system. They competed with each other, hung out together, supported each other, and are still friends to this day.
Eric received a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a Soil Science Master of Science degree from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. He looks back at his college experience with fondness, especially for the friendships and networks developed over the years.
He works for the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division (DHHSD) as an Information and Referral Specialist. He is the primary person who answers phone calls and emails from individuals from all over the state for DHHSD. Eric enjoys helping people and connecting them to the right staff to help them. Eric and other DHHSD staff are wonderful resources for people who have varying hearing levels and communication modes.
Eric’s advice to folks seeking employment: “Don’t let your disability limit you. Get experience! Volunteer and be willing to do internships if it will help you get experience. You need to start somewhere to figure out what you like about working, and what is important to you to have in a job and workplace. If there are things you don't like, take steps to change them if you can.” He also encourages folks to find other Deaf and Hard of Hearing people who are in the field that they are seeking employment in, and connect with them. “They can be a great resource.”
Outside of work, Eric enjoys cooking and baking (especially desserts!), reading, spending time outside by biking, fishing, and gardening. This summer his goal is to try out vegetable container gardening for the first time.
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!
[Image description: Black and white image of a man wearing a gingham patterned collared shirt and dark tie. He is looking off to the side. Behind him is a blurred background of a pond surrounded by trees.]
