TED Talks Daily How technology has changed what it's like to be deaf | Rebecca Knill
Feb 18, 2021
Rebecca Knill, a writer and cochlear implant user, shares her personal journey through deafness and the transformative power of technology. She humorously reflects on the allure of silence and discusses how advancements like cochlear implants redefine the deaf experience. Knill highlights the need to challenge outdated perceptions of deafness and advocates for a mindset shift towards inclusivity. Her insights reveal the profound impact of assistive listening devices on communication and identity within the deaf community.
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Early Life and Deafness
- Rebecca Knill grew up profoundly deaf, relying on lip reading in regular schools.
- She didn't meet another deaf person until age 20 and humorously recalls her sister as her alarm clock.
Longing for Community
- Knill challenges the assumption that deaf individuals constantly yearn to hear.
- Instead, she emphasizes the desire for community and belonging.
The Addictive Silence
- Knill describes the unexpected joy of complete silence, likening it to a sensory deprivation tank.
- In silence, her mind creates sound visualizations, fostering creativity.