I have a Masters in Journalism from UC Berkeley and am a longtime freelance journalist. I specialize in writing about disabilities, health, and parenting, but can write about anything!
In Memoriam: Patsy McKeown
Patsy McKeown’s passing on December 4, 2022 at the age of 97 marks the end of an era.
When Hearing Loss is Diagnosed: Navigating Resources
Navigating resources for hearing loss.
Giving Back
Susan and Jim Gallo of Atlanta, Georgia donate to AG Bell annually as a way to give back in thanks for all the help their daughter Elizabeth received over the years.
Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Can Hear and Talk
The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing opens up doors for children and their families seeking options.
2022 Holiday Gift Guide
Finding the right gift can be stressful. To hopefully make it a little easier, here are some gift ideas for people with hearing loss, from toddlers on up. Now you can focus on the joy of giving!
Debunking Myths About Being Deaf – by Their Children Who Can Hear
Children born to adults who are deaf and hard of hearing know – a lot – about the community. In this series, we talk with families who have navigated the scenario and have served as unofficial educators to the public.
Study on Lipreading and Masks
When society is masked, people who rely on lipreading are at a disadvantage. Two deaf researchers looked into this phenomenon. Their study on lipreading and masks will soon be published in the Journal of Psychosocial and Mental Health Nursing.
Deafness/Disability Teaching and Support
Whether it’s working in disability support or as a teacher of the deaf, some AG Bell members have found themselves in jobs they may not have originally envisioned. But they know without a doubt it’s where they’re meant to be.
Andy Nelson, RN
Being a nurse with hearing loss has its challenges. For Andy Nelson, learning how to navigate the communication barriers in the health care setting while maintaining patient privacy was an early challenge.
A Passion for Color
Sue Mooney became an artist by accident. She always knew she was creative, though she didn’t do anything with it.
My review of the Phonak Naida P-UP
After trying the Phonak Naida Link M hearing aids and finding the connectivity with my AB Naida CI M (cochlear implant) leaving more to be desired, I returned to the familiar. High powered hearing aids are what I’ve worn my whole life. Would the Naida P-UP be a better fit for me?
Robert Nicol, Architect and Vintner
After 45+ years as an architect, Bob Nicol became a vineyard owner, kind of by default. He had decided to move north from Oakland, California to Napa when he found a dream residence designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s office. It had a loft perfect for architecture work. It also happened to sit on 20 acres of vineyards.
My review of wearing a Phonak Naida Link M with a cochlear implant
I was born profoundly deaf. I wear a cochlear implant in one ear and a hearing aid in the other. As a bimodal user, my hearing aid and cochlear implant have been separate devices. Now, with the introduction of the Phonak Naida Link M, they can be linked.
In August 2021, I upgraded my cochlear implant processor to the Advanced Bionics Naida CI M (M for the Marvel platform). I also switched out my Phonak Naida to the Link M so I could benefit from the “surround sound.” This is my review.
Professional Advocates
Many people who are deaf find themselves professional advocates in one form or another. Meet three of them: Niels-Henrik Hansen, Elizabeth Ralston, and Caitlin Parton.
From Yoga Teacher to Multilingual Health Translator
Amy Hochberg’s journey began as an office manager in New York City while she moonlighted as a yoga teacher. The fallout from 9/11 resulted in her job becoming redundant while demand for yoga teachers spiked. Hochberg seamlessly transitioned into teaching yoga full time.