In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Brittany sits down with Austin Cary, professor of ASL at Arizona State University and Deaf ministry leader, to hear his story of growing up as the only Deaf child in a hearing family.

Austin shares candidly about what it was like navigating siblings, school, sports, and social situations where communication barriers were constant — and how one powerful decision by his father transformed the culture of inclusion in their home. From learning a mix of ASL, PSE, and home signs, to facing frustration on the basketball court, Austin reflects on the resilience that was built not by avoiding hardship, but by having strong support at home.

This episode is an honest and encouraging conversation for hearing parents raising Deaf or Hard of Hearing children who want to balance advocacy with preparing their child for real-world challenges. Part 1 lays the foundation for understanding how inclusion, intentional parenting, and faith shape a Deaf child’s confidence and long-term resilience.