Bridging Worlds, Shaping Stories
For Jennifer, Deafness is not a barrier but a different way of seeing.
It brings patience to her family, reshapes how they communicate, and creates a space where connection feels genuine.
- TPB: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
J: I’m Jennifer Natalie, a mother, a Deaf woman, and a content creator focusing on sign language education, parenting, and inclusivity.
- TPB: What does being Deaf mean to you and your family?
J: For me, being Deaf is not a limitation but an identity that makes me unique. My family has also grown through it. Joshua, my child, has become more open in communicating with my friends. My husband, who grew up in the hearing world, now often joins me in gatherings with Deaf friends. Both my husband and Joshua have become more patient with me, and I feel we truly complement one another.
- TPB: What is the most different thing about Deaf and Hearing ways of communicating?
J: The biggest difference lies in the medium. Hearing people rely on sound, while Deaf people like me rely on visuals, expressions, and sign language. But at the core, communication is the same, it’s about understanding and connection.
- TPB: How can we bridge the gap and create genuine connections between Deaf and Hearing people?
J: The key is awareness and empathy. Hearing people can start by learning basic sign language, like the alphabet or simple vocabulary, and by giving space for visual communication without assumptions.
- TPB: What does inclusivity mean to you?
A: Inclusivity means everyone, including Deaf people, is given the same space, access, and opportunity to participate. It’s about creating opportunities based on skills and abilities, not just resumes or degrees. It’s not only about being present, but being truly valued and accepted.
- TPB: What’s your hope and goal for the future?
A: I hope society becomes more aware of inclusivity, especially about Deaf culture and sign language. My goal is to keep building bridges between the Deaf and hearing worlds, so more people realize how beautiful diversity is. And that companies start giving Deaf individuals opportunities based on their skills, not just their CVs.
“Communication is not about sound or silence, it is about understanding, patience, and connection.”
Through her story, Jennifer Natalie reminds us that identity is not a barrier, but a bridge.
As a mother, a Deaf woman, and a creator, she shows how communication, whether spoken, signed, or felt, shapes empathy and opens doors to true inclusivity. Jennifer is also part of Layak Talent Management @layak.talentagency, a platform that amplifies diverse voices and narratives across creative fields.
This September 23, we also mark the International Day of Sign Languages, a reminder that there are more than 70 million Deaf people worldwide, each with a right to language, culture, and recognition.
#ThePublicBook #StoriesOfIdentity #DeafVoices #InclusiveFuture
