The Art of Being Deaf: A Memoir

Title Page, Copyright

The Art of Being Deaf K The Art of Being Deaf A Memoir Gallaudet University Press Washington, DC Donna McDonald Gallaudet University Press Washington, DC 20002 http://gupress.gallaudet.edu© 2014 by Gallaudet University All rights reserved. Published 2014 Printed in the United States of America Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data McDonald, Donna, 1955The art of being deaf : a memoir / Donna McDonald. pages cm Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 978-1-56368-597-2 (pbk. : alk. paper) -- ISBN (invalid) 978-1-56368-598-9 (e-book) 1. McDonald,Donna,1955- 2. Deaf--Australia--Biography.3. Deaf women--Australia-Biography . I.Title. HV2943.M33A3 2014 362.4’2092--dc23 [B] 2013042489 Cover art and design by Donna Wright. Some of the names in this memoir have been changed. ∞ The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of American National Standard for Information Sciences--Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials, ANSI Z39.48-1984. v The whole body was removed From the vibration of air, they lived through the eyes The clear simple look, the instant full attention. —Ted Hughes, “Deaf School” Long-continued disability makes some people saintly, some self-pitying, some bitter. It has only clarified Sally and made her more herself. —Wallace Stegner, Crossing to Safety Love is a central theme in the autobiography we each write as we try to understand our lives; but we may feel that we become only more confused the more we reflect upon it. —John Armstrong, Conditions of Love: The Philosophy of Intimacy Gratitude is the memory of the heart. —Jean Massieu, 1772–1846, deaf student and teacher in France ...