ANNA BLAIR
SARSFIELD
Life as the hearing deaf
I began taking dance lessons at age 2 for a very specific purpose--I needed to sharpen my skills of listening and following directions, and my parents thought ballet class would be a fun way for me to do just that. I had recently been diagnosed with severe hearing loss, began wearing hearing aids, and needed this extra practice listening and following directions to help me reach the goal of being able to communicate with the world around me using only listening and clear spoken language. And so the ballet lessons began.......
Although my hearing loss quickly deteriorated to profound deafness, I was still able to learn to listen and speak clearly as a young child thanks to the miraculous technology of cochlear implants and intensive Auditory-Verbal Therapy. Fast-forward 24 years, and here I am with the very specific purpose of pursuing what quickly turned from a purpose to my passion.
Throughout my life, I have continued to advocate for those with hearing loss/deafness and for the use of listening and spoken language. My success serves as an inspiration to others as it showcases what can be accomplished in spite of the numerous challenges that must be overcome when living a disability.
Advocating for others through my public speaking engagements and serving as a mentor and role model to others with hearing loss or deafness are roles that I hold dear. I am forever grateful for dance, the role it has played in my life so far, and how it has allowed me to encourage and inspire others while educating them about hearing loss, deafness, and cochlear implants.
Follow along on my socials for more insight into my life as the hearing deaf!
SOCIAL FEED
View my Instagram feed below to get a snapshot of my dance reels, fashion shoots, and insight into what life is like with cochlear implants!
ABOUT ME
I received my BA from the University of Georgia in Entertainment and Media Studies (Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication) as well as a minor in Fashion Merchandising and a New Media Certificate.
Currently, I hold the position of the Marketing and Social Media Director for an aircraft brokerage, Sarsfield Aviation, and I also work on my own freelance photography and videography. I have a vast range of skills when it comes to film production and marketing, for I have experience with videography, photography, editing, color correcting, branding, website development (Wix), merchandising, and content creation.
After graduation, I lived in New York City for several years where I focused on my precision jazz, tap, theater jazz, and ballet training as well as modeling (agency: MMG). Surrounded by some of the best in the industry, I grew both personally and professionally before returning home to Georgia, where I have continued to pursue my passion for storytelling and media.
A role I also hold dear, is educating and advocating for those with hearing loss, deafness, and cochlear implants, for I was born deaf and wear bilateral cochlear implants to hear, using only listening and clear spoken language to communicate. I'm a content creator who shares my experiences as the hearing deaf and I've spoken at numerous events to support those with hearing loss. It has always been my goal to inspire and educate others with my story, and I am always open to public speaking opportunities and other events regarding hearing loss and cochlear implants.
I am excited to continue pursuing a career within the entertainment and marketing industries and beyond, and I hope to continue growing as a leader and co-worker. Please reach out with any questions or inquiries!