Access-4-All - Q & A

Katie Rodriguez Banister will answer your on line questions! Click Here to submit a question.

Question for Katie:

How did Marlee Matlin (deaf actress) had a successful career in spite of his disability?

Thanks for you question regarding Marlee Matlin.  She became deaf after  a bout with measles when she was 18 months old but that has never slowed her down.  She is an actress, wife and mother of two hearing children. Her children's cries set off lights so mom is always at the ready!  Her  children have learned sign language as well.  She is an Oscar winner and  is a recurring guest on two TV shows; The West Wing and The Practice.  Children today can catch her on the cartoon, Blues Clues where she teaches children sign language.  Marlee loves her husband, Kevin, who helps out raising the kids.  From what I've read, family is everything to Marlee.

Marlee has survived her disability because, to me, she doesn't live as a victim.  Her being deaf doesn't keep her at home.  She has searched for acting opportunities and found them.  Yes, I'm sure being in the right
 place at the right time has helped, but she puts herself in the driving seat.

She's a great actress and I think she has helped the deaf community in similar ways that Christopher Reeves has for those of us with spinal cord injuries has.  These "famous" people have increased an awareness of disabilities, what they are and ways to get past them.

I don't know her entire history, but after I got your question, I went on the web and used www.google.com and typed her name in.  I found her website and other links about her.  I love to google!  That link helps
 me almost every day.

Again, thanks for your question & visiting our site!

I miss the me I used to be
Standing on my own
But now wheels go 'round,
Freedom Found,
Independence shown
1992 - Katie Rodriguez Banister

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