Читать книгу We Make It Better - Eric Rosswood - Страница 16

Nyle DiMarco has been breaking down barriers and stereotypes ever since he was thrust into the spotlight when he appeared on the television show America’s Next Top Model in 2015. DiMarco was the first deaf contestant in the history of the show. Since he uses American Sign Language with facial expressions and body movements, his deafness amplified his natural talent, helping him win the competition. Soon afterward, DiMarco broke down stereotypes again when he became a contestant on Dancing with the Stars. Even though he couldn’t hear the music, being a visual person, he was able to pick up on small details and cues provided by his dance partner. And while he wasn’t the first deaf person to compete on Dancing with the Stars (that credit goes to Marlee Matlin), he was the first deaf contestant to win on the show. Many people have the misconception that deaf people can’t dance because they can’t hear the music. By appearing on the show, DiMarco brought deaf culture into the households of millions of Americans and showed them that the only thing deaf people can’t do is hear. Other than that, they can do anything else other people can do.

Winning television competitions has given DiMarco a giant platform to advocate and raise awareness for issues relating to the deaf community. He created the Nyle DiMarco Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of deaf people around the world, with a focus on bilingual education (American Sign Language and English) for deaf children. According to the World Federation of the Deaf, there are seventy million deaf people around the globe, and only about 2 percent of them have access to sign language education. When children do not have early access to language, they can have difficulties in functioning, socializing, communicating with other people, and overall learning. That’s why, through his foundation, DiMarco has worked toward ensuring that all deaf children in the United States have access to language before they reach five years of age.

Taking his message global, DiMarco addressed the United Nations in 2018 and helped them mark September 23 as the first International Day of Sign Languages. During his visit, he raised awareness of sign languages and the rights of persons with disabilities all over the world. He also advocated for more countries to recognize sign language as an official language.

In addition to being an inspiration to millions of deaf people, DiMarco is also a role model for people in the LGBTQ community. Attitude magazine honored him with its 2017 Man of the Year award for being a tireless fighter for equality. DiMarco identifies as genderfluid and lives his life out and proud, encouraging everyone to embrace their own identity in order to thrive.