Meet Marlene Everhardt

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marlene Everhardt. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Marlene, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I am a CODA (child of deaf adults). My first language is that of American Sign Language. Spoken language came later for me. Being a CODA gives me access to a community of other CODAS, one in which we bridge the communication gap between the hearing and deaf communities. This dual exposure has given me a deep appreciation and a strong sense of identity rooted in both the deaf and hearing worlds.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

A few years ago I began to write a series of children’s books. The first book titled “Grandma”s Ears are Broken” is a story about the realization a young boy had when he discovered that his grandmother was deaf. Along with the story, illustrations of American Sign Language are featured. Since the launch of the first book, six more were written about the interactions of a deaf grandmother and her hearing grandsons. Our Facebook page “Signing Grandma- a Children’s Book Series ” was created to bring awareness of the beauty of sign language and to foster a love of reading and learning.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Knowledge of American Sign Language, the love of reading and writing were impactful in the creation of the book series. I have always believed in finding one’s passion and making it your life’s work.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

Being a child of deaf adults, I learned from a very young age to be independent and think for myself with my parents encouragement. Through sign language they taught me the skill of communication.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: Signing Grandma – A Children’s Book Series