Description:
A guided journal for adults with hearing loss, newly diagnosed or lifelong, combining practical knowledge, creative activities, and reflective exercises to help you fight stigma, embrace your identity, and advocate for your needs.
Brief description: Katherine S. Rybak, M.Ed., NBCT, was born Hard of Hearing and is the founder of Hearing Out Loud(R), an organization dedicated to empowering people with hearing loss and their allies. Through her work, Katherine helps others embrace identity, maximize technology, and confidently advocate for communication access in every part of life.A retired Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Katherine holds a master's degree in education and is a National Board Certified Teacher. She brings together lived experience, professional expertise, and creative vision to support people with hearing loss on their journey toward self-advocacy and empowerment.Katherine and her wife Carol live in Madison, Wisconsin, where they enjoy time with their three grown children. She finds joy in traveling with family, creative projects in her studio, and playful moments with her two grandchildren.
Review Quotes:
"Despite all my enormous advantages, I wish I had been a beneficiary of Katherine Rybak's book. Her work is ground-breaking in that she goes beyond the fundamentals and enables us to learn how to self-advocate in a way that promotes both respect and self-respect." -Jack Spear, Ph.D. in Psychology, President of the Madison, WI Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America
"This book was life-changing. It walks you through the experiences that accompany hearing loss and ways you can problem solve. If you're ready to take charge and meet your challenges head-on, this book is for you." -Amazon reviewer
"I don't go for journals, but the hard data and info is outstanding!" -Paul Matson
"This is the book I have been hoping to find!" -Jennifer McBride
"Reading Becoming Hearing Empowered has been a game changer. Katherine Rybak offers methods for healing trauma resulting from negative experiences due to hearing loss. It's essential reading for anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing." -Amazon reviewer
"Six stars. It helps us find our people and places of support, find the words to advocate for ourselves, and so much more. It can be used more than once - because our hearing will change over time, what we need will change over time." -Amazon reviewer