Hearing impaired Ms Kalindi Persadh graduates with an Honours degree. Deaf People Can Do Anything Except Hear!
Deaf people can do anything except hear, is the philosophy of hearing-impaired Ms Kalindi Persadh, who proved just that when she graduated from UKZN with a Bachelor of Medical Science (Medical Microbiology) Honours degree.
Persadh (23), now busy with her Master’s degree in Medical Sciences, said: ‘I aim to study further and work my way towards a PhD degree in health sciences and contribute to the science community and people in general.
‘I am profoundly deaf in my right ear with 10% hearing in the other. I have the ability to lip-read, which helps me understand what people are saying. I also rely on a powerful hearing aid which I use in my barely capable ear,’ she said.
‘It was very difficult trying to hear in a full lecture theatre and it is not easy to lip-read and take notes at the same time. I also have language and vocabulary deficiencies as my speech is unclear so I miss a great deal of crucial information usually gained through everyday conversations,’ said Persadh.
‘What helped me were my hearing aid and lecturers kind enough to wear an FM transmitting device which I provided. I am also grateful for the assistance and extra time given to me by my lecturers. I try to overcome all my obstacles by working hard every day.’
Persadh says she has strong belief in God and her parents have also motivated and guided her every step of the way.
Persadh chose Medical Science because she loves science. ‘I have always been curious about health-related issues because of my hearing impairment. Hopefully, one day I will be able to help those in the same predicament.
‘My experience at UKZN was fulfilling - the professors and lecturers were compassionate and always very helpful. I am grateful to the UKZN Disability Unit for all their assistance and to the University for accepting me as a student to do my Masters in Health Sciences.
Persadh loves spending time with her family and friends, reading, swimming, and travelling. She is a strict vegetarian, her favourite dish is pasta and her favourite cook is her mom!
She has two younger siblings who are studying at UKZN. She feels fortunate to have wonderful parents who guide and allow her to study further.
‘I want to encourage and motivate students with hearing or any other disability to pursue their dreams.’