These days, the landscape of social media is brimming with aspiring influencers and TikTok sensations. It's become a dream career for many, shaping how we consume content and connect with others. Amidst this sea of creators, finding those who resonate authentically can be a challenge. That's why we've curated a special list featuring five of our favorite deaf and hard of hearing creators who are not just making waves but reshaping narratives. From advocacy and empowerment to music and lifestyle, these individuals offer a unique perspective that's both enriching and inspiring. Join us as we introduce you to some remarkable voices that deserve a place on your 'following' list.
Emilee Segura is a dedicated advocate and educator in the field of Deaf education, serving as an Early Intervention Specialist by day. Her profound impact extends beyond her professional role, as she shares invaluable insights and resources for parents of deaf and hard of hearing children. Emilee's journey, marked by receiving a cochlear implant in early childhood, allows her to empathize with the challenges faced by deaf and hard of hearing students and their families firsthand.
Emilee bridges her professional expertise with personal experience, offering guidance on how parents can empower their children with the tools they need. She eloquently narrates her communication journey, highlighting the role of American Sign Language (ASL) in her auditory verbal therapy, which facilitated her speech development. Emilee also invites her parents to share their perspectives, providing invaluable advice and answering questions from followers about raising a deaf child.
Beyond educational insights, Emilee embraces her role as a community leader by promoting awareness of hearing loss and empowering others through ASL tutorials, weekly finger spelling sessions, and practical tips such as hairstyle ideas for cochlear implant users. Her down-to-earth approach and relatable content resonate deeply within the deaf and hard of hearing community, making Emilee Segura an indispensable resource and inspiration for parents and individuals alike.
Gianna "Gigi" Caruso, a Southern California-based creator and swimwear designer, has not only made waves in the fashion industry but also in the advocacy for accessibility. Born with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, Gigi received her first pair of hearing aids at the age of three. However, it was a transformative moment when she adopted Phonak Lyric hearing aids a decade ago. These aids sit deep within the ear canal, enabling Gigi not only to hear better but also to experience sounds she had never perceived before—including the clarity of her own voice, a revelation that changed her life.
Gigi's journey is marked by entrepreneurial spirit; she launched her own fashion line at just 16 years old. Recently, she founded Hear With You, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children with hearing loss by providing resources and fostering success. On her social media platforms, Gigi shares a blend of lifestyle and travel content, fashion updates from her brand, and insights into her personal hearing loss journey. Whether you're seeking trendsetting fashion, accessibility advocacy, or wanderlust-inspiring travel content, Gigi Caruso offers it all with positivity and style.
Daisy Kent, hailing from Becker, Minnesota, is a multifaceted personality known for her roles in reality TV, advocacy, and creativity. As a cochlear implant recipient, Daisy captured hearts nationwide during her appearance on "The Bachelor" where she charmed audiences with her resilience and positivity. Her journey, marked by the onset of hearing loss at 17 due to Lyme disease and Ménière's disease, has been an inspiration. Using her platform, Daisy raises awareness about hearing loss, bringing crucial conversations to television screens. On social media, she openly shares her cochlear implant journey and personal stories, advocating for accessibility and empowerment. Daisy is also a published children's author, with her book "Daisy Doo: All the Sounds She Knew" narrating her hearing loss journey. Additionally, she founded Hear Your Heart, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering children with hearing loss through funding research and providing financial aid for assistive devices. For those seeking inspiration, advocacy, and creative insights, Daisy Kent is a beacon of positivity and change.
Samuel Cruz, known by his stage name DefStar, is a Texas-based content creator and dip hop artist who brings a fresh perspective to everyday life as a hearing aid user through relatable and humorous content. Alongside his comedic sketches and insights, Cruz is carving out a niche in the music scene as a rapper, recently collaborating with the legendary dip hop artist Warren "WaWa" Snipes, setting the stage for a promising career.
What distinguishes Cruz is his celebration of the deaf and hard of hearing community. He integrates American Sign Language (ASL) into his music performances and online presence, emphasizing inclusivity and making his music accessible to all listeners. You can discover DefStar's tracks on major platforms like Apple Music and Spotify.
Whether you're looking to add new music to your summer playlist or seeking content that blends humor with a positive outlook, Samuel Cruz, aka DefStar, offers an engaging journey into life with a focus on accessibility and community celebration.
Abigail Heringer, a Pacific Northwest native and former contestant on "The Bachelor" and "Bachelor in Paradise," has captured hearts with her openness about her journey as a deaf individual. Born deaf due to a Connexin 26 mutation, which is a common cause of autosomal recessive deafness worldwide, Heringer has become a prominent voice for the deaf and hard of hearing community.
On her social media platforms, Heringer shares candidly about her experiences with hearing loss and her cochlear implant through her series "Hear Me Out." This series not only educates her followers about living with hearing loss but also serves as a platform for answering questions and raising awareness. Heringer's advocacy extends beyond awareness; she fosters inclusivity and support for her audience, particularly those who are deaf and hard of hearing.
In addition to her impactful advocacy work, Heringer recently shared the joyous news of her engagement to Noah Erb, another contestant from "Bachelor in Paradise," demonstrating her commitment to living authentically and celebrating life's milestones. Heringer is also set to release her first book, "The Deaf Girl: A Memoir of Hearing Loss, Hope, and Fighting Against the Odds" this coming September. Follow Abigail Heringer for insightful content that champions inclusivity, empowers the deaf and hard of hearing community, and encourages meaningful conversations about accessibility and representation.
As we wrap up this roundup of incredible creators, it's clear they're not just influencers—they're trendsetters reshaping the social media scene. By sharing their unique perspectives and fostering community among the deaf and hard of hearing, these influencers are making accessibility the new standard. We invite you to follow their journeys and be inspired. Have a favorite influencer who's making waves? Share your recommendations with us! Stay tuned for part two of our series, where we'll introduce more talented voices carving out space in the digital world.
InnoCaption provides real-time captioning technology making phone calls easy and accessible for the deaf and hard of hearing community. Offered at no cost to individuals with hearing loss because we are certified by the FCC. InnoCaption is the only mobile app that offers real-time captioning of phone calls through live stenographers and automated speech recognition software. The choice is yours.
InnoCaption proporciona tecnología de subtitulado en tiempo real que hace que las llamadas telefónicas sean fáciles y accesibles para la comunidad de personas sordas y con problemas de audición. Se ofrece sin coste alguno para las personas con pérdida auditiva porque estamos certificados por la FCC. InnoCaption es la única aplicación móvil que ofrece subtitulación en tiempo real de llamadas telefónicas mediante taquígrafos en directo y software de reconocimiento automático del habla. Usted elige.
