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As printed in Hearing Health, volume 20:3,
Fall 2004
Marlee Matlin is an acclaimed actress familiar to movie
fans and television audiences alike. Her success is
an inspiration to all and she is a powerful role model,
particularly for people who are deaf or hard of hearing
(D/HH). When Extreme Makeover Home Edition
wanted to help the Vardons fulfill yet another of their
dreams, members of the team knew inviting Matlin to
join the project was a smart move. After all, they were
getting a class act.
In an exclusive interview with Hearing Health,
Matlin chats about the Makeover experience,
assistive technology and more.
What appealed to you about being
involved in the Vardon makeover?
Extreme Makeover Home Edition and the producers
are doing wonderful things for deserving families. It’s
good old-fashioned family television, something that
has been missing in the TV landscape for a long time.
And the story of the Vardon family is just too touching
to ignore.
Both Jack Jason, my production partner, and I have
always prided ourselves on using our contacts to help
make things happen for deserving people. We are certainly
proud of being able to help the Vardons.
What is your impression of the
Vardons?
The family is nothing but the most deserving and loving.
What Judy and Larry have sacrificed for their children,
what Stefan has done for his parents in helping to interpret
and to extend support and love to Lance, his blind and
autistic brother – all of it is extraordinary.
What do you think of TEXTNET Home
Edition created by HITEC?
The Vardon family is benefiting greatly from the technology
that was installed in their home. I understand it is
changing their lives dramatically. I’ve already
begun to use
similar technology in that I rely a great deal on video
instant messaging and video relay services provided
through the Internet.
Has innovative assistive and
communication technology helped you and your career?
Technology just keeps getting better and better. Whether
it’s video instant messaging pioneered by America
Online or digital hearing aids, like the new Starkey
models I wear, it all helps to level the playing field
for D/HH individuals.
I determined long ago never to let my deafness get
in the way of achieving my dreams and I work hard to
make sure that’s what happens. New technology
has made my task easier but it has not diminished my
resolve. I still work hard to achieve equal access and
make sure I share that message with whomever I meet.
Do you have an opinion about
cochlear implant (CI) technology and its effect on Deaf
culture?
The CI is another development that has proven to be
very successful. But I am aware of the controversy that
the technology has brought about, especially among members
of the Deaf community who value Deaf culture and sign
language. Each side has a valid argument.
I view the opinions and choices regarding CIs to be
personal ones. I do not endorse or disapprove of individuals
who want to get a CI for themselves or their children.
I do believe the decision must be an informed one and
must be respected by members of the community, whether
deaf or hearing.
Regarding the preservation of Deaf culture, many cultures
have survived while technology moved on. Deaf culture
can and will do the same. Despite what some may say,
it's just a matter of keeping it strong and viable by
sharing it, teaching it and living it.
Readers can catch Matlin in her recurring role on NBC’s
hit drama The West Wing. She can also be seen in the
independent feature film What the Bleep Do We Know showing
in theaters now.
Related Articles:
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Technology Rocks Family's World
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