Breanna Stewart Overcoming Challenges As A Deaf Professional

Dana Hedgpeth

2 min read

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24-03-2025

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Breanna Stewart's journey is a testament to resilience and the power of perseverance. Her success as a Deaf professional in a hearing-dominated world is not only inspiring but also highlights the systemic barriers that still exist and the importance of inclusivity in the workplace. This profile explores her experiences, the challenges she's faced, and the strategies she's employed to thrive.

Navigating a Hearing World

Stewart's path wasn't paved with ease. From a young age, she had to navigate a world largely designed for hearing individuals. This encompassed everything from accessing information in educational settings to participating in team projects and meetings in professional environments. She recalls instances of miscommunication and feelings of isolation, common experiences for many Deaf professionals. The lack of readily available captioning or sign language interpreters often left her feeling excluded and frustrated.

Educational Hurdles

Her educational journey was particularly challenging. While she excelled academically, accessing educational materials and participating in classroom discussions required significant extra effort and adaptation. She relied heavily on note-takers, assistive listening devices, and proactive communication with her instructors. The need to constantly advocate for herself built resilience but also underscored the systemic need for improved accessibility in educational institutions.

Thriving in the Workplace

Despite these obstacles, Stewart has carved a successful career for herself. However, her professional life isn't without its share of hurdles. The lack of accessibility in many workplaces remains a significant issue. She often finds herself having to request accommodations, such as sign language interpreters for meetings or written transcripts of important conversations. This constant need to advocate for herself can be exhausting.

Strategies for Success

Stewart attributes her success to several key strategies:

• Proactive Communication: She proactively communicates her needs and preferences to colleagues and superiors. This ensures that she's fully included in team discussions and projects.
• Building Strong Networks: She has cultivated strong relationships with mentors and colleagues who understand and support her needs. This network provides a vital support system and helps her navigate challenges.
• Technological Tools: She leverages technological tools, such as video relay services and captioning software, to enhance communication and access information.
• Advocacy: She advocates for greater inclusivity and accessibility within her workplace and beyond. This includes promoting the hiring of Deaf professionals and advocating for policy changes to improve workplace accessibility for Deaf individuals.

Inspiring Change

Breanna Stewart's story is not just a personal narrative of triumph over adversity; it's a powerful illustration of the need for greater inclusion and accessibility for Deaf professionals. Her experiences highlight the systematic barriers that still need to be addressed, prompting reflection on the responsibility of organizations and institutions to create more welcoming and inclusive environments for everyone. Her journey serves as an inspiration to other Deaf professionals and a call to action for those who seek to create a more equitable and accessible world. Her success is a testament to her talent, determination, and the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.