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CAYA KO, KAYA MO | MOTHER | The Dog

CAYA KO, KAYA MO !!!
A Hearing impaired girl’s story

Good morning, my name is Carmen Leviste Cousunji.

My friends call me ‘Caya‘. In Fillipino, Kaya means ‘you can do it‘. I was born in 1978. When my family found out that I was deaf, it was like a storm hititng our home. My family cried so much, Manila was flooded. But now, we all smile, from ear to ear or from hearing aid to hearing aid.

It is hard being deaf. It took me five years, to hear my name. It took me seven years, to say it right and I am still working hard to make others understand. I know, I have to work harder than others because I am deaf. And I have worked hard. I have earned many awards in athletics and academics and have received recognition from many organizations like the AG Bell and the Ninoy Aquino movement in Los Angeles. Each award opens more doors for me, but more importantly, each award opens more ears for the deaf.

It is not enough, that I work hard. I am a result of a group effort, great sacrifices of my parents, family, school and teachers. Supporting laws and modern technology make it easier for people like me to belong to the mainstream. These inspire me to work hard and to believe in myself. Whenever I feel life is tough - I hear their voices….over and over again-Caya, you can do it. Kaya mo!!!

The above article is an exhortation of a hearing-impaired girl from Philippines who reached great er heights in life with confidence and determination.

Source: From Asian and South Pacific News letter on Hearing Impaired, December 1994. Contributed by Ms. Joan D’Mello.