I will go on the record as saying this: 2012 was a good year for Lipreading Mom. As the year comes to an end, I am thankful for my family and our health, friendships and new opportunities. I am thankful for you, my faithful reader.
Was this year everything you wanted it to be? If you are part of the Deaf and hearing loss community, you might be thankful for at least one of these five things:
1. Show Us the Captions – In November and December, cinemas all over the world were encouraged by Deaf/hearing loss activists to show first-run films with captions. Did you see any good captioned movies this year?
The official Show Us the Captions logo
At the (captioned) movies with my daughter!
My first experience with Sony Captioning Glasses at Regal Theaters
2. DeafChats – Deaf Insight Founder Monica Hood and friends hosted a monthly chat for anyone interested in discussing deaf and hearing loss issues. Favorite topics: deafness in the workplace and celebrating the holidays with a hearing loss. The good news: More monthly chats are planned for 2013.
Deaf-Insight.com, founded by Monica Hood
In the midst of a DeafChat, my sweet daughter snapped this photo.
3. Show Me Your Ears – I spent many years hiding my hearing aids from everyone…until 2012 and the launch of this awareness campaign. People from all over the world submitted photos of their ears, many of them with cochlear implants and hearing aids. Have you submitted your photo yet?
At the wedding of Todd and Abbie Hlavacek (couple at left), friends with cochlear implants from Advanced Bionics joined together in showing off their bionic ears. Todd received his implants in January 2010 and January 2012, Abbie in August 2007, Gregg Hlavacek (center, no implant), Jennifer Thorpe (second from right) in November 2007, and audiologist Tina Childress in August 2000 and December 2005. Way to Show Me Your Ears, friends!
I pose for Show Me Your Ears with my new ReSound Verso hearing aids and wireless remote control.
4. Deaf Pioneers – Modern-day examples of people who are deaf and making a difference: Actress Marlee Matlin and her fellow castmates of the popular ABC sitcom Switched at Birth. However, I have the most admiration for a woman who made great things happen 100 years ago while living with her own deafness: Girl Scouts USA Founder Daisy Low. And 2012 brought a compelling biography of Low by author Stacy A. Cordery. (Look for it in your local library.)
(Deaf) Girl Scout Founder Daisy Low
A (captioned) look at Switched at Birth with lead character, Bay
5. Our Community and Culture – Now more than ever, people who are deaf or hard of hearing can connect with others online who walk the same walk. All you have to do is read through Lipreading Mom and Deaf Insight blogs, or search Facebook or Twitter to find support groups made by and for the Deaf/hearing loss community. A special thank you to some of my guest blog writers this year, who are all active in the hearing loss community.
Guest Blogger Karen Putz, a.k.a. Deaf Mom, is a prolific barefoot water skier as well as writer for the deaf and hearing loss community.
Lipreading Mom Guest Blogger Denise Portis along with her service dog, Chloe, pose for Show Me Your Ears.
Guest Blogger Gael Hannan is famous speaker, writer, and performer who poignantly unveils her ‘hearing loss mask’ for audiences worldwide.
How has 2012 impacted your life?
Share your comments with me below. Once again…thank you for sharing this journey with me in 2012. I wish you a warm and bright New Year!
Click here to see Part One of Lipreading Mom’s Year in Pictures
Lipreading Mom 
I am truly honored to be amongst greatness! We all must continue to push through and share with the world about the deaf/hard of hearing community! Shanna you continue to make great things happen for the community. DeafChat and the Deaf Insight Website is what it is thanks to you! Thank you for all that you do!
Thank you, Monica, for blazing a bright trail for the Deaf community!
Shanna, I am so happy that I know you and what you have accomplished in 2012. May 2013 be even a treater year!
Thank you, Mary, for your outstanding work with the Hearing Loss Association of America!
Hope you had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year to you. Or as a friend of mine saidrecently to me, Happy New Hearing.
Thanks, Liz, for all your Deaf advocacy work!
Thank you for the great look back at 2012– and here’s to an amazing 2013!
Karen – You are one of my Deaf world rock stars!
Thanks Shanna! Shanna rocks! Captioning rocks! Vital for mega-millions, and hearing too.
Cheers for 2012 and Good Vibes for a good 2013!
Lauren
CCACaptioning.org – advocate with us, you’re worth it!
CaptionMarch.com – ask for captioning, make it happen!
Way to go, Lauren and CCAC!
2012 was a good year for me too because I connected with you. I love reading your posts, everything you write is amazing and inspiring. Next year will be amazing and better too 🙂 Have a wonderful new years celebration with family, friends, and loved ones!
Alicia – Thank you. I enjoy your blog. 🙂
Shanna, thanks for all your wonderful posts. I was excited to help initiate Show us the Captions, along with Mary Stodden, here in STL. In the second photo above, I like the accessibility emblem poster with assistive listening and cc symbols. Where can we get access to that?
Hi Patricia – Thanks for your comment! The poster was from Cinemark Theaters in Kansas City, who I believe created this poster. You might contact Cinemark headquarters to inquire about it: http://www.cinemark.com.