Invested in pride

Summary

The transcript narrates the experience of an employee at Walmart who began losing their hearing four years ago. Facing challenges in communication, they found empowerment through a vest indicating their hearing impairment, fostering better understanding among colleagues and customers. The speaker highlights the importance of inclusivity and representation for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, expressing hope that such visible indicators promote an environment where everyone feels valued and understood. Ultimately, this experience serves as a testament to the strength found in embracing one's identity and the necessity of creating supportive workplaces.

Takeaways

• 🎧 The speaker began experiencing hearing loss approximately four years ago while working at Walmart.
• 🤔 Challenges included difficulty understanding instructions and communication with supervisors.
• 📝 The speaker received a small tag indicating hearing impairment, which was often unnoticed by others.
• 🇲🇽 Transitioning to Walmart Mexico, the speaker encountered a helpful practice: employees wearing vests stating, 'I am deaf, thank you.'
• 👥 This practice helped facilitate communication, encouraging others to engage directly with the speaker.
• 👍 Wearing a vest improved the speaker's confidence, reducing frustration in communication.
• 💬 The vests are designed to promote inclusivity and awareness of the deaf and hard of hearing community.
• 💪 The speaker expresses hope that these vests highlight the contributions of individuals with hearing difficulties.
• 🌍 The aim is to create a welcoming environment for customers with hearing challenges, ensuring they feel represented.
• 🌟 The speaker considers the initiative a moment of pride, fostering a sense of belonging for those who are hard of hearing.

Q & A

What challenges did the speaker face at Walmart?

The speaker faced difficulties in understanding pages and instructions from their bosses due to hearing impairment.

What accommodations were made for the speaker at Walmart?

The speaker was given a small tag indicating that they were hearing impaired, which helped communicate their condition to others.

How did Walmart Mexico address the needs of employees with hearing impairments?

Walmart Mexico provided vests for employees that stated 'I am deaf, thank you,' which facilitated communication and understanding.

What impact did the vest have on the speaker's confidence?

Wearing the vest boosted the speaker's confidence, allowing them to engage more openly with others and reducing frustration in communication.

How does the vest help customers who may have hearing difficulties?

The vest signals to customers that they are understood and represented, fostering an inclusive environment where their needs can be met.

What is the speaker's biggest hope regarding the use of these vests?

The speaker hopes the vests will promote an inclusive environment and demonstrate the contributions of the deaf and hard of hearing community.

What does the speaker believe about the capabilities of individuals with hearing impairments?

The speaker believes that individuals with hearing impairments can be successful and valuable members of the team.

How does the speaker feel about their own inclusion at work?

The speaker expresses pride in feeling included and represented in their workplace due to the accommodations provided.

What does the speaker think is important for customers visiting the store?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of customers feeling understood and served with pride and dignity.

What overall message does the speaker convey about inclusivity?

The speaker conveys that inclusivity benefits everyone and highlights the importance of understanding and accommodating diverse needs in the workplace.