Stories of a Pandemic: How Three Sisters Brought Awareness to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community

You rush out the door. You toss the half-eaten slice of toast back onto your plate and scramble to grab your keys, your phone, and most importantly, your face mask. No, you aren't imagining this. This isn't an episode of Grey's Anatomy featuring a high-stakes operation. This isn't your 5-year-old self dressed up to treat your critically ill stuffed animal. This is reality and the new normal. This is life during a global pandemic.

Masks have become such an essential part of our lives. They protect others from the spread of airborne particles, and they also allow us to do so while still expressing ourselves creatively through the various designs and types of masks we wear. However, masks restrain our communication, especially for people who are deaf and hard of hearing. NEST+m's Kate Lin '23 and her two sisters, Sarah and Julia Lin, took steps to change this by establishing the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Friendly Initiative. 

Because masks hide facial cues, prevent lip-reading, and muffle our voices, the Lin sisters sought a solution to make communication with masks possible for everyone. They were inspired to take on this initiative because 48 million Americans, including their mother, cope with hearing loss. "We decided to spread awareness about clear panel masks and communication boards so that other deaf and hard of hearing people wouldn't have the same issues that our mom experienced during this pandemic,” said Kate Lin ‘23. She explained how her mom faced obstacles at places like the grocery store or the post office. Adding clear paneling to masks, according to Lin, would allow for non-verbal communication through facial expressions and help deaf and hard of hearing people lip read. 

Masks are mandatory in all public places, and integrating Deaf and Hard of Hearing Friendly masks and communication boards in their local businesses ignited their hopes to reach other people in their neighborhood. "We hope all businesses will be deaf and hard of hearing friendly accessible by having necessary resources, such as clear panel masks and communication boards to communicate with the deaf and hard of hearing," says Lin '23. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Friendly initiative has already started to be implemented all over Queens. Communication boards and clear-paneled masks can be seen at local post offices, precincts, pharmacies, and even Trader Joe's stores! 

The Lin sisters used their own money and time while putting their hearts and souls into making these masks. Lin ‘23 was able to be proactive and took strides in not only helping people who are deaf or hard of hearing like her mom, but also in her own self-growth. "Starting this initiative, I feel more confident in being able to make a positive difference in the world," states Lin ‘23. Though it may seem like our actions have no impact on the rest of the world, the Lin sisters' initiative strongly contradicts this. Positive differences in the world are possible, and it's up to you to take part in making a difference.

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Initiative continues to make change for people in the deaf and hard of hearing community during this ongoing pandemic. Check out their website (www.DeafandHOHFriendly.com) if you are interested in helping and want to find out more information! Thank you, Kate, Julia, and Sarah, for inspiring the students of NEST+m and beyond!