Hearing loss can feel heavy, it can pain you and at the same time it may be hard to even want to leave your own bed. When I began to portray my own experiences with my hearing loss, I want to paint motivational themes, but I also wanted to be real. I needed to dig deep into the parts that were hurting in order to heal from them. This is what inspired me to create "Weight", bringing to a painting the deeply hurting side of an invisible disability and making it visible.
This piece visually captures the triumphant moment of a woman leaping over a giant ear, symbolizing her victory over the fears and limitations tied to her hearing loss. Created during a transformative period of self-acceptance, this piece speaks to the power of embracing one’s true self, unapologetically. Through bold and dynamic imagery, the woman’s leap represents breaking free from the constraints of self-doubt and moving toward empowerment and dreams. Painted with acrylics on wood, Conquering offers a vibrant portrayal of overcoming challenges, inviting viewers to reflect on their own strength and ability to rise above obstacles.
When the spider spins its web, it transposes itself into the center of its own universe and creates numerous paths to a world of new discoveries. While it is intentionally either protecting itself or hunting for prey, it leaves a visible mark wherever it goes.
The spider never meets good company, for whichever insect dares to enter its home, it never comes out alive.
Eventually the spider's soul may become the prey of its own cunning mind, desperately feeding on itself in a miserable cycle of loneliness and self destruction, reacting like a helpless fly about to become dinner.
Who is the fly and who is the spider in this scenario?
The one who tells the story has the power to spin the tale.
In a reversal of roles, the fly comforts the spider amidst the chilling sounds of its predator's inconsolable wail: "I don’t mean to prey. You don’t understand me. You don’t know what it’s like to be me."
"You’re right, I never have," the fly thinks.
It then holds the spider to its heart until all the wails are exhaled.
“I vow to listen, to be present, to offer light, and love, however many times you need it, I will give you love,” said the fly to the spider in a motherly embrace.
This artwork represents a deeply personal reflection on my journey with hearing loss, self-acceptance, and resilience. Years ago, I gradually lost the bones in both my middle ears, severing the natural pathway for sound to reach my inner ear. The solution came in the form of a Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA), connected through a small titanium abutment implanted in my skull. Yet, for years, I resisted this device—fearing how I would look, how others might perceive me, and the weight of feeling different.
Everything changed when my youngest son was born profoundly deaf. Supporting him through his own hearing loss journey gave me the courage to embrace my own. Three years ago, I chose to get my BAHA implants, and today, I wear them with pride. They don’t define me, but they are a part of my unique way of experiencing the world.
Through my art, I share this journey—not just for myself but for future generations. I hope that children growing up with hearing differences will see themselves reflected in my work and feel proud of who they are. Our uniqueness is our strength, and there is power in embracing it."
"My Creation" is a deeply personal piece that reflects the bond between my son Jason and me. Jason was born deaf and wears cochlear implants, yet no genetic link was ever found between his deafness and my own hearing loss. He and his brother, Lucas, are my greatest creations—my heart in human form. In this painting, I depict myself holding a marionette of Jason, complete with his implants, mirroring the pride and love I feel when I look at him. It is a tribute to the beauty of our connection and the journey we share."
This t-shirt is everything you’ve dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It’s comfortable and flattering for...
This t-shirt is everything you’ve dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It’s comfortable and flattering for...
In this powerful and inspiring picture book, a deaf girl stands up for herself and takes off her shoes while dancing at her Carnival performance so she can feel the music through her bare feet. Cesaria is going to perform for the seaside Carnival. She skips past the beach barefoot, dressed in her favorite peacock leotard. But when her dance director tells her she must put on her shoes to go on stage, Cesaria signs, “Peacocks don’t wear shoes!”
You see, Cesaria hears the music through the soles of her feet, but no one seems to understand…
…That is, until all the dancers take off their shoes, and learn to feel the music, just like Cesaria.
Cesaria Feels the Beat is a lyrical and heartfelt story about deafness, community, and Carnival.
When a child is diagnosed with hearing loss, it is overwhelming. The future can feel uncertain and parents might worry whether or not their child will thrive. Harper's real life story allows readers to follow her journey, providing both parents and children who are facing any kind of diagnosis a much-needed dose of encouragement. Through Harper's navigation of hearing loss, kids can imagine what is possible. Understanding and awareness are key to feeling included, and the community around a child with hearing loss is critical. This story shares ways people in a deaf or hard of hearing child's life can better support them. Harper's witty approach to storytelling resonates with young readers and will surely inspire the people who love and support them.
"All the Ways I Hear You" first introduces our young hard of hearing narrator, Sy, and his neat hearing aids. From there, Sy goes on to introduce his diverse group of friends who are deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind and their own hearing technology and communication styles, like cochlear implants, bone anchored hearing systems, communication boards/tablets and sign language. The book also introduces other children in familial and support roles, namely a hearing sibling and a child of deaf adults.
This is the first book written by Stephanie Marrufo, who is Sy's mom. When Sy was diagnosed with hearing loss as a 2-year-old, Stephanie began searching for children's books that featured or included deaf and hard of hearing characters and found this type of resource to be extremely lacking. Once she decided to write her own, she realized the importance of being as inclusive as possible, and following that decision, this unique story came to life.
"All the Ways I Hear You" is beautifully illustrated by Priscila Soares, an artist with hearing loss who wears bilateral bone anchored hearing systems, and mother to a child born deaf who now has cochlear implants. She uses her talents to advocate for people with hearing loss by sharing their stories through her mixed media work.
If you are a d/Deaf or hard of hearing person, the parent or family member of a d/Deaf or hard of hearing child, an educator, a daycare provider, a medical or support professional providing services to d/Deaf and hard of hearing people, a community organization supporting d/Deaf and hard of hearing people, or if you are simply interested in adding inclusive resources to your children's book shelf... This is the book you've been waiting for!