Life, Part II with Marcy Reisinger: A Blend of Silence and Sound

From Marcy:
My childhood was a unique blend of silence and sound, shaped by a family bond that didn’t have language barriers. Growing up in the 1980s and 90s, I was raised by two Deaf parents who communicated primarily through American Sign Language (ASL). This created an environment where the typical childhood experience was infused with both challenges and exceptional opportunities for growth and understanding. From a young age, I learned that the world was not always designed to accommodate my parents, and by extension, myself as their child. In a hearing world, Deaf people are often marginalized, and this isolation was something I felt deeply. Yet, I also felt a profound sense of pride in my Deaf heritage. I recognized the richness of Deaf culture, its history, and the unique perspective it offered on language, community, and communication.
Living with Deaf parents, I often found myself in the role of an interpreter, especially when dealing with institutions and systems that didn’t know how to engage with Deaf people. Whether it was at the doctor’s office, my school, or a restaurant, many times I had to bridge the gap between my parents and the world around them. While my parents may have had to navigate obstacles that were invisible to many, I was also given a front-row seat to witness the resilience, creativity, and close-knit support systems of the Deaf community. I grew up understanding that the world might be structured for hearing people, but that didn’t mean the Deaf community was any less vibrant, capable, or deserving of equality. The early experiences of translation, advocacy, connection made me aware of how systems could either uplift or exclude people based on their abilities. This fueled my desire to be an agent of change, not just for my parents, but for others in marginalized communities who faced similar barriers.
During my travels in Kenya, I encountered a startling reality: students in Kenya-many of whom were Deaf or disabled-had very limited access to education and support. I saw firsthand the challenges these children faced, not just in terms of educational resources but in how society viewed them. The stigma surrounding disability in Kenya was often compounded by a lack of awareness, infrastructure, and opportunities for inclusion.
It was this realization that inspired me to take action. I knew that education, empowerment, and access were key to breaking the cycles of poverty, exclusion, and isolation. I wanted to create a space where Deaf and disabled students could have the same opportunities to succeed as their hearing peers. Thus, the idea for Hearts that Hear was born.
I founded Hearts that Hear with a simple, yet powerful mission: to provide educational opportunities, resources, and a sense of community to Deaf and disabled students in Kenya. Through the nonprofit, I aim to bridge the gap between these students and the world around them, offering them tools to navigate life with confidence and hope.
The nonprofit focused on several key initiatives, educational programs, advocacy and awareness- beyond just education, community and support systems, and international partnerships. Hearts that Hear is a way to build a world where people of all abilities are seen, heard, and empowered to fulfill their potential.
To sponsor a deaf child: www.heartsthathear.org
A dose of passion: www.yourpassionschool.com
KPHRED radio show: www.kphred.com