Tommy Cothran: The Power of Perseverance and Positivity

In the tapestry of life, some threads stand out more prominently than others. The life story of Tommy Cothran is one such thread, interwoven with perseverance, positivity, and an unwavering belief in the human spirit.

Early Life and Challenges

Cothran was born in 1938 in Greensboro, North Carolina, the son of a sharecropper. His childhood was marked by poverty and hardship. At the age of 12, he lost his hearing due to a bout of spinal meningitis. This devastating event cast a long shadow over his life, but it also kindled within him a fierce determination to overcome adversity.

The Road to College

Despite his hearing impairment, Cothran excelled in school, graduating from high school at the top of his class. He then enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), where he became one of the first deaf students to attend the prestigious institution.

Cothran's college years were a time of both triumph and challenge. He struggled to keep up with lectures and assignments in a hearing world. However, with the help of interpreters and a supportive community, he persevered.

In 1964, Cothran became the first deaf graduate of UNC, earning a degree in journalism. This milestone marked a watershed moment not only for him but also for the deaf community at large.

A Pioneering Career

After graduating from UNC, Cothran embarked on a groundbreaking career as a broadcaster and advocate for the deaf. In 1978, he co-founded the National Captioning Institute (NCI), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing captions for television and other media.

Under Cothran's leadership, NCI grew to become a global force in accessibility. Millions of deaf and hard-of-hearing people around the world have benefited from the organization's work, enabling them to enjoy and participate fully in the media landscape.

In recognition of his pioneering contributions, Cothran received numerous awards and accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016. He also served as a role model and mentor for countless deaf individuals, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles.

A Legacy of Hope and Inspiration

Tommy Cothran passed away in 2020 at the age of 81. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the lasting impact he made on the world of accessibility.

Cothran's story serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, perseverance and positivity can prevail. It is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the transformative power of believing in oneself and others.

The Importance of Accessibility

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), over 48 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss. For these individuals, accessibility is not a luxury but a necessity.

Closed captioning and other assistive technologies play a crucial role in enabling deaf and hard-of-hearing people to participate fully in society. By providing access to information, communication, and entertainment, these technologies break down barriers and create a more inclusive world for all.

The Economic Impact of Accessibility

In addition to its social benefits, accessibility has a significant economic impact. A study by the University of California, Berkeley, found that closed captioning on television alone generates over $1 billion in additional advertising revenue each year.

Accessible technologies also create jobs and boost the economy by increasing the productivity and participation of deaf and hard-of-hearing people in the workforce.

The Future of Accessibility

The future of accessibility looks bright. Rapid advancements in technology are creating new opportunities to make the world more accessible than ever before.

Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and augmented reality (AR) are just a few of the technologies that have the potential to transform accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

As these technologies continue to evolve, we can expect to see even greater strides in accessibility, further empowering deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to live full and independent lives.

Helpful Tables

Table 1: Prevalence of Hearing Loss in the United States

Table 2: Economic Impact of Closed Captioning on Television

Table 3: Assistive Technologies for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing People

Stories and Lessons

Story 1: Breaking Barriers

In 1978, Tommy Cothran was invited to give a speech at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. However, the organizers had not made any arrangements for closed captioning.

Undeterred, Cothran asked a friend to sit in the audience and hold up handwritten signs summarizing his speech. This improvised solution allowed the deaf and hard-of-hearing attendees to follow along and participate fully in the event.

This story highlights the importance of being proactive in advocating for accessibility. By speaking up and asking for what they need, deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals can break down barriers and create a more inclusive environment.

Story 2: The Gift of Communication

In 2010, a deaf woman named Nancy Rupp wrote a letter to Tommy Cothran expressing her gratitude for the impact that closed captioning had made on her life.

Rupp explained that before closed captioning became widely available, she felt isolated and cut off from the world. She couldn't enjoy movies, news, or even social gatherings with hearing friends.

With the advent of closed captioning, Rupp's world opened up. She could finally participate in conversations, follow current events, and experience the joy of watching movies with her family.

Rupp's story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of accessibility. By making the world more accessible, we empower deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to live full and independent lives.

Story 3: Embracing Diversity

In 2016, the University of California, Berkeley, launched a new initiative to make its campus more accessible for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The initiative included the installation of closed captioning technology in classrooms, lecture halls, and common areas.

The university also hired additional sign language interpreters and provided training for faculty and staff on how to effectively communicate with deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

As a result of these efforts, the number of deaf and hard-of-hearing students at UC Berkeley has increased significantly. These students are now able to fully participate in all aspects of university life, from academic classes to social activities.

UC Berkeley's initiative is an example of how institutions can embrace diversity and create a more inclusive environment for all students. By investing in accessibility, universities can create a level playing field for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, allowing them to succeed and reach their full potential.

Tips and Tricks for Making the World More Accessible

Here are a few simple tips for making the world more accessible for deaf and hard-of-hearing people:

• Use clear and concise language. Avoid using jargon or colloquialisms.
• Speak slowly and distinctly. Don't mumble or rush your words.
• Face the person you are speaking to. This will help them to lip-read you.
• Use assistive listening devices, such as headphones or FM systems. These devices can amplify sound and make it easier to hear.
• Provide closed captioning for your videos and presentations. This will make them accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers.
• Be patient and understanding. It may take deaf and hard-of-hearing people a little longer to process information.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Not providing closed captioning. Closed captioning is essential for deaf and hard-of-hearing people to access information and entertainment.
Mistake 2: Assuming that all deaf people can lip-read. Lip-reading is a skill that requires training and practice. Not all deaf people can lip-read, and even those who can may not be able to lip-read in all situations.
Mistake 3: Treating deaf people like they are children. Deaf people are adults who should be treated with respect. They should not be talked down to or spoken to in a condescending manner.
Mistake 4: Withdrawing from conversations with deaf people. If you are having difficulty communicating with a deaf person, don't give up. Be patient and try to find a way to communicate effectively.
Mistake 5: Assuming that all deaf people are the same. Deaf people are just as diverse as any other population group. They have different interests, backgrounds, and abilities.

Pros and Cons of Assistive Technologies

Pros:

• Assistive technologies can make the world more accessible and inclusive for deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
• Assistive technologies can help deaf and hard-of-hearing people to communicate more effectively with hearing people.