In his talk, “I Hear You, But Can You Hear Me” Michael shares a moving story of growing up in a community without accessibility. Pushing through access barriers he brings you into his environment of growing up Deaf and African American in Compton, CA. Existing in a world that didn’t seem to understand his perspective being Deaf, Michael discovers himself through learning American Sign Language. Michael further emphasizes the connection between ASL, self-esteem, cultural identity, while bridging the gap between the Deaf and the Hearing communities by providing accessibility.
Michael Agyin, a Deaf & Disability rights advocate is the son of immigrants from Ghana. Raised in Compton, CA, he didn’t know there was a word for people like himself until college: Deaf. Empowered by learning American Sign Language (ASL) while earning his bachelor’s degree, he began to see the need for deaf advocacy. Michael became determined to break the barrier that exists between the Hearing and Deaf worlds. This determination earned him the CSUN (California State University of Northridge) National Center on Deafness Outstanding Humanitarian Award. He has also served as a Governor appointee to the State Independent Living Council, volunteer for the California Youth Leadership Forum for Youth with Disabilities, and as President of Hear Zero (an African American Deaf Advocacy group). This talk was given at a TEDxComptonBlvd event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx. Michael Agyin is a Deaf & Disability rights advocate. The Son immigrants from Ghana, he was raised in Compton, CA. He didn’t know there was a word for people like himself until college: Deaf. Empowered by learning American Sign Language (ASL) while earning his bachelor’s degree, he began to see the need for deaf advocacy, Michael became determined to break the barrier that exists between the Hearing and Deaf worlds. This determination earned him the CSUN National Center on Deafness Outstanding Humanitarian Award.
After College Michael continued working to be an advocate. He has spent the last 5 years as a Behavior Analyst for Deaf youth with Autism. He has also served as a Governor appointee to the State Independent Living Council, volunteer for the California Youth Leadership Forum for Youth with Disabilities and as President of Hear Zero (an African American Deaf Advocacy group). Outside of advocacy, he is a Runner, a Star Wars enthusiast, Uncle extraordinaire, & friend to many. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
I Hear You, But Can You Hear Me | Mike Agyin | TEDxComptonBlvd