Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
Hi, I'm Jodie Hood and I'm an advocate for GACHI.
I was born deaf, but it wasn't discovered until I was 3 years old.
I attended a special pre-school, a listening eye school, and it was there that
I learned to sign and read lips.
I went to a mainstream junior high and high school. But I didn't have an interpreter
until High School, so I was behind in my reading.
I graduated from high school, which was a big accomplishment,
but I was reading on a third grade level.
I didn't know how to learn, or how to study.
My parents encouraged me to go to college.
So, I started at a community college, and it was challenging.
I spent 6 years at the community college struggling with the English
language.
During that time, the dictionary became my best friend, and eventually I mastered the
English language.
I transferred to Columbus State University and 6 years later, I
graduated with a degree in Psychology.
It was hard but more than worth it.
While I was in school,
I had a friend who was an advocate
at GACHI.
I became a volunteer
and eventually I began teaching an ASL class to help people remember how
to sign.
That was fun and fulfilling.
After graduation I looked for a job and I landed at
GACHI.
I'm an advocate.
I educate the deaf, deaf/blind and hard of hearing, I support them, and I
empower them to become more independent.
I translate, educate regarding legal rights and find remedies when needed.
That's what we do at
GACHI.
That's what I do.
My life experiences so far have been very challenging and very rewarding.
I've always wanted to be an example to others that with hard work and some help,
anything is possible.
I'd like to personally invite you to join us in our efforts to make someone else's
life a little easier.
You can support us in many ways. You can make a donation,
volunteer and tell others about our important work.
Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you. I'm Jodi Hood,
I'm deaf and I'm changing the world.