Heidy Nazario is the DHH Guide Program Supervisor for Hands & Voices of Minnesota. This program consists of 6 deaf or hard of hearing guides including Heidy who serve as role models for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and their families. “In a unbiased way, we share our experiences growing up DHH and answer questions families with a DHH member might have. While providing our knowledge about technology, accommodations, language acquisition, and other DHH related topics, we trust the family will choose the best options for their child” states Heidy.
When Heidy was a 17 years old high school student, she suspected she was not hearing well as hearing loss is genetic, she immediately went in for a hearing test. She was identified as hard of hearing.
She did not know what resources were available for her. She struggled in school trying to hear the teachers, and had a hard time making friends in college. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Preschool and Elementary education from Universidad de Puerto Rico in Bayamón and struggled being a teacher, as she did not know the accommodations she could have requested. She reflects that “Now, in my job, I can serve a role model to deaf or hard of hearing individuals, who, like me, once found themselves lost or overwhelmed. I have the accommodations I need, and know how to advocate for myself!”
Her motto is that individuals who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing can do anything!! Please request the resources and information you need!
Outside of work her favorite hobbies are biking (when it’s warm), going to the movies and basketball games!
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!
