My Story – Jean Edmond

I grew up in Haiti. When I was four years old, I had a fever and lost my hearing. Being deaf in Haiti wasn’t easy. Many hearing people don’t think that deaf people are equal.

Five years ago, I came to America to live with my sister. I came here because I wanted to work. There were no jobs in my country. It was really frustrating. Nobody wanted to hire me. It was too hard to communicate. It was hard to get a job because of that.

I went to VR (the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation) and Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida (Fort Myers). They helped me fill out the application and interview and get the job at Goodwill.

When I got the job here, I felt really happy. My money helps my family, and I’m really at peace now. I like America because there’s a much better chance of getting work and there’s so much less crime. I recently became a U.S. citizen. I’m very happy here.

*Since this interview, Jean has relocated out of state to pursue bigger opportunities.