The Deaf Experience

Collie was blessed by being part of the small percentage of Deaf children who are born into Deaf families. It wasn’t until she was older that she realized that not everyone had the same access to her language the way she did growing up. But it was this foundation that fostered her natural qualities as a leader, an advocate, and a role model to so many.

Collie lived by this in her demonstration of soul, courage, and leadership in the Deaf community, most notably through her involvement with Youth Leadership Camp and being one of two delegates for the 2nd Biennial Jr. NAD Conference in 1972. 

When Collie and Kat moved to Rochester, they would attend exhibitions at the Dyer Arts Center. Little by little their collection of art began to grow. They were especially drawn to Deaf individuals that expressed their lived experience using affirmations or resistance.