While others may say it is impossible for Justin Makinson from Grassy Park, a Mr Deaf SA 2023 finalist, the word simply does not exist in his vocabulary.
Born profoundly deaf, the 34-year-old says he would like to show the deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing communities that anything is possible if everyone works together with each other’s best interest at heart.
“I currently work for the Call Lab in Salt River doing data capturing and help desk work – if you don’t understand how a profoundly deaf person can do help desk work, you are not alone. I answer email queries and type fast.”
However, it has not been plain sailing as there had been hurdles along the way, Makinson explains.
“There are so many things that deaf and hard-of-hearing people can do if they are just given the opportunity.
“For example, I interned at Iziko Museums Western Cape and I was the first profoundly deaf person to graduate from STC Maritime in the training course in Safety Familiarisation.
“I was accepted for training, but then the CEO told me I couldn’t do it because I can’t hear anything while at sea.”
With the support of the course facilitator, Makinson was determined to prove that he could complete the course.
“Because I can feel vibrations and am at an advantage in the water I don’t need to rely on hearing – I can use my sight.
“I not only passed the course but scored in the top three and became the first deaf person to receive the Safety Familiarisation certificate in the Western Cape.”
As a finalist in the Mr Deaf South Africa 2023 pageant, Makinson says he is excited to inspire people to make a difference.
“This is the first time that I’ve entered a pageant and I’m so grateful to have this life-changing opportunity.
“The Mr Deaf SA pageant provides a platform for goal-driven, deaf South Africans of any age to become their best selves and to be proud of their deaf identity and culture.”
Due to a lack of accessibility in society, some deaf people face discrimination he adds.
“Most hearing people do not know how to communicate using Sign Language, and my hope is that society will change and allow equal access to information and human rights for the deaf and hearing alike.
“Breaking down communication barriers to awareness of the self and others helps us all to become more confident in society.”
The father of one says disability does not mean “can’t do anything” but rather that everyone has different skills and talents.
“I have never accepted that being unable to hear has placed me in a disadvantaged position in society or has affected my belief in what I can do or achieve.
“The pageantry process empowers people with disabilities to get on stage, show their confidence in themselves, and inspire others.
“I believe that all people with disabilities should be allowed to show that any young or old people, deaf or hearing, can act together and help to change the world for the better.”
His message to the deaf community is that anything is possible.
“To all young deaf people, don’t be afraid of who you are, be confident. You can do anything.”
The Mr Deaf SA 2023 pageant will take place on Saturday 9 September.
To support and help Justin Makinson to win the public choice award, SMS MDS18 to 47439. Each SMS costs R3.
