Eric Brody, a Deaf advocate from Santa Barbara, has dedicated much of his life to strengthening his local Deaf and hard of hearing community. Through his advocacy work, teaching sign language, and his deep belief in the power of community support, Eric has empowered countless individuals by fostering connections and providing valuable resources. Now, with his new book, Eric shares the rich history of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals in America, offering an accessible resource with hopes to inspire far beyond his local community.
Eric’s journey to creating this book began in 2002 after hearing a speech by Dr. I. King Jordan, the first Deaf president of Gallaudet University. Dr. Jordan lost his hearing at age 21 following a motorcycle accident, yet he didn’t let this setback define him. His perseverance led him to become a symbol of the 1988 “Deaf President Now” movement, which fought for equal rights and representation. Dr. Jordan’s statement, “Deaf people can do anything except hear,” inspired Eric to share this powerful message with the world.
Teaming up with illustrator Courtney Monday, Eric’s book brings to life key moments in Deaf history, starting with Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet’s life-changing encounter with a young Deaf girl and leading up to the movement that changed the future of Deaf education and advocacy.
Eric hopes this book will inspire both children and adults, especially those who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or experiencing hearing loss. It’s more than a history book; it’s a celebration of community, resilience, and the impact that connection and support can have on a person’s life. Eric believes that everyone deserves the tools to succeed and hopes his book reflects that belief.
To learn more or purchase the book, visit sbdeafcommunity.com/book
or find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Deaf-People-Anything-Except-Hear/dp/B0DDZKG8NG
