February 2000

A world filled with silence

Imagine never being able to hear a song on the radio or children laughing or even the sound of your own voice. Kathy Wigley and her family don’t have to imagine. Kathy, her husband and three children live in a world without sound – they are all deaf.

"They are like any other family. They just all happen to be deaf," said Ardith Dillard, director of services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS), a United Way-funded agency.

Kathy is a fourth-generation deaf family member. But don’t think that they have any trouble communicating with one another.

"I grew up deaf. I have deaf parents and family members. It has never been an issue for us," said Kathy.

The Wigleys take advantage of the interpreting services provided by DHHS and funded by United Way. The children attend DHHS summer camp every year. And they use an interpreter provided by DHHS for doctors’ appointments, parent-teacher conferences, school plays and functions, and even in exercise classes.

However, according to Dillard, the family is very independent and active supporters of DHHS. Kathy has served on the DHHS Board of Directors as treasurer since March 1999. She also helps on several other DHHS committees. Her husband is involved with the slow pitch softball team sponsored by the Wichita Association for the Deaf.

The family has such a positive outlook on life. They are very comfortable with their deafness and are great role models says Dillard.

Kathy and Albert, her husband, both work at Raytheon Aircraft Company. Albert has been with the company for 22 years and Kathy for a little over 11 years.

Kathy, who is a machine parts inspector, is the first deaf inspector at Raytheon. She says that co-workers have learned to communicate with her through various ways.

"Some people write things down or they’ll talk slow so that I can read their lips," said Kathy. "Some have even learned how to sign, and I always carry a pen and paper with me."

The couple’s three children are, Grace, 12; Albert III, 9; and Iris, 6 – all deaf. Kathy is very proud of the fact that her children learned to sign at nine-months-old. They have also been mainstreamed into Wichita public schools.

"They want to feel the same as everyone else and be included. Being deaf doesn’t make us different," said Kathy.

Being deaf is just a part of this family’s everyday life.

"I’ve never been afraid because I’m deaf. It is a challenge; but I take and accept that challenge," said Kathy.

Call United Way of the Plains at 267-1321 to find out more about how your money is helping our community.