Maria Gallucci: How can we truly listen without hearing?

In a bustling kindergarten field trip to the zoo, a young child notices stares and whispers as their mother approaches, communicating in sign language. This moment of feeling "different" sparks a lifelong commitment to inclusion. Meet Maria Gallucci, author of Raised in Silence and a top realtor specializing in the deaf and hard of hearing community. As a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), Maria shares her journey of navigating dual worlds, revealing that true listening goes beyond sound—it's about presence, patience, and empathy. For aspiring entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds, like first-generation professionals or those shifting careers amid cultural barriers, her story offers relatable insights into turning personal challenges into purposeful ventures.

Growing Up in Two Worlds: The CODA Experience

Maria's upbringing as a CODA shaped her perspective on communication and belonging. Raised by deaf parents, she witnessed firsthand the dismissals and misunderstandings that arise when the hearing world overlooks the deaf community. "I still remember I always saw my parents getting dismissed or being ignored because of the communication," Maria recalls. This led to a promise at age five: no one in her world would feel unseen.

For many in similar positions—perhaps a mid-career switcher balancing immigrant family dynamics or a young professional from a marginalized group—Maria's anecdotes resonate. Imagine interpreting complex legal documents for your parents at age 12 during a home closing, as Maria did. Without an interpreter, her parents signed papers blindly, highlighting systemic gaps in accessibility. According to the World Health Organization, over 466 million people worldwide experience disabling hearing loss, yet only a fraction receive adequate support in everyday transactions. This experience fueled Maria's compassion, teaching her that "listening isn't about hearing, it's about paying attention—like my parents listen with their eyes and hearts."

Reflect: How often do you pause to truly "see" someone in a conversation? In diverse teams or client interactions, this mindset can transform misunderstandings into meaningful connections.

Bridging Communication Gaps Through Real Estate Advocacy

Maria channeled her insights into a thriving career, founding ASL Realty—a nationwide platform connecting deaf and hard of hearing clients with signing agents. In Colorado, where she's among the few fluent in American Sign Language (ASL), 75-80% of her clients are from this community. "I got my license right when I could and I've been doing it ever since," she says, driven by memories of her parents' struggles.

For entrepreneurs eyeing niche markets, Maria's approach is a blueprint. She built her top 1% ranking in Colorado by prioritizing underserved groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals, emphasizing that "love is love—no matter what community you're in." One client shared how their first home purchase without an ASL-fluent agent was stressful, but with Maria, it became empowering. This echoes broader advocacy needs; a study from the National Association of the Deaf notes that effective communication in real estate prevents exploitation and ensures informed decisions.

Challenge yourself: If you're in sales or service, audit your processes for inclusivity. Could adding captions to videos or learning basic ASL signs enhance your outreach?

The Intersection of Empathy, Inclusion, and Advocacy

Maria's advocacy extends beyond real estate, linking the deaf community's experiences with those of the LGBTQ+ world. When her son came out at 12, she drew parallels: both groups seek acceptance and authenticity. "The LGBTQ plus and the deaf and hard of hearing world go hand in hand because they both just want to be included," she explains.

This intersectional view fosters broader compassion. Growing up, Maria felt self-conscious from stares while signing, but it built resilience and humility. She critiques how society prioritizes talking over understanding: "Most people are taught that talking is more important than actually understanding. And we rush to respond instead of slowing down to really see the person in front of us."

For global entrepreneurs or those from varied backgrounds, this highlights the value of cultural bridges. Resources like the book Deaf Gain: Raising the Stakes for Human Diversity by H-Dirksen L. Bauman explore how deaf perspectives enrich society, promoting innovation through diverse viewpoints.

What small act of understanding could you try today? Even attempting to learn a sign or offering patience in a mismatched conversation can make a difference.

FAQ: Practical Tips for Fostering Inclusion in the Deaf Community

• How can I communicate effectively with deaf or hard of hearing individuals?

Start with eye contact and clear gestures. Learn basic ASL via apps like The ASL App or free resources from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). Avoid assuming—ask preferences for lip-reading, writing, or interpreters.

• What role does technology play in bridging gaps?

Tools like video relay services (VRS) enable real-time ASL-to-voice translation, as noted in accessibility studies.

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 For businesses, captioning software ensures equitable access.

• How does being a CODA influence business success?

CODAs often develop strong empathy and adaptability, turning "differences" into advantages, as Maria did in real estate.

• Why is advocacy important for underserved communities?

It combats isolation; only 10% of parents with deaf children learn ASL, per Maria, leading to educational lags. Advocacy builds respect, not pity.

Embracing Empathy for a More Inclusive Future

Maria Gallucci's story in Raised in Silence illustrates that true connection requires humility and effort. From CODA challenges to real estate triumphs, her insights remind us: empathy means meeting people where they are. Whether you're a young professional navigating identity or a seasoned entrepreneur seeking niche impact, prioritize presence over perfection.

Apply this today—visit raisedinsilence.com for communication tips and book excerpts. Share your inclusion story on social media with #ListenWithoutHearing, or join communities like the National Association of the Deaf. Let's bridge gaps together; what's one step you'll take?