Unheard Voices: Finding language and belonging in the Deaf and hearing worlds - Paperback

by Dawn Mauldon (Author)

In this poignant and powerful memoir, the author tells the story of their childhood growing up with Deaf parents. Through intimate and evocative prose, Dawn explores the challenges and joys of living in a world that is often hostile and unwelcoming to those who are different. From the isolation and challenges that come with being a child of Deaf parents, to the strength and resilience that comes with love and belonging, the author shares their unique and deeply personal perspective on what it means to see and communicate in a richly silent world. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the Deaf experience, and the power of love and belonging to overcome adversity. Beautifully written and deeply moving, Unheard Voices is an exploration of what it means to be a part of a diverse and vibrant culture.

Author Biography

Dawn is the first-born hearing child of Deaf adults (a CODA). Growing up in post-war suburban Melbourne her family looked like most everyone else, until they started talking on their hands. Her first language was tactile, visual, physical and theatrical, teaching her to be aware of details, accept difference and informing her understanding of how stories are told. At a young age, she became the interpreter for her mother's family, who never learnt sign. Her childhood was a constant crossing between languages and cultures as she witnessed people's varying attitudes towards difference. The Deaf world gave her a strong sense of belonging, but her parents encouraged her to find her place in the hearing world. Later, she became a teacher of English, Literature and Drama and moved to Perth, where she taught for many years in the West Australian school and prison systems. Her aim was to challenge how voices of displacement, diversity and personal histories influence expectations and outcomes. Her place of belonging is North Fremantle where she has lived for the last thirty years. Stories have always been her purpose and passion. Dawn now spends her time writing about language and culture and discovering the silenced voices behind untold stories. Dawn is the first-born hearing child of Deaf adults (a CODA). Growing up in post-war suburban Melbourne her family looked like most everyone else, until they started talking on their hands. Her first language was tactile, visual, physical and theatrical, teaching her to be aware of details, accept difference and informing her understanding of how stories are told. At a young age, she became the interpreter for her mother's family, who never learnt sign. Her childhood was a constant crossing between languages and cultures as she witnessed people's varying attitudes towards difference. The Deaf world gave her a strong sense of belonging, but her parents encouraged her to find her place in the hearing world. Later, she became a teacher of English, Literature and Drama and moved to Perth, where she taught for many years in the West Australian school and prison systems. Her aim was to challenge how voices of displacement, diversity and personal histories influence expectations and outcomes. Her place of belonging is North Fremantle where she has lived for the last thirty years. Stories have always been her purpose and passion. Dawn now spends her time writing about language and culture and discovering the silenced voices behind untold stories.