'You can do anything': students inspired by author

By Max Stainkamph

May 6, 2021

You can do anything. That was the message at the deaf facility at Guthrie Street Primary School on Monday, May 3, when author Asphyxia visited.

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Her book Future Girl, about a deaf girl in near-future Melbourne, came out late last year, with Asphyxia writing the novel and doing all the artwork across more than 350 pages.

Asphyxia, who goes by the one name, spoke to students of her experiences in the hearing world after losing her hearing aged three and not discovering sign language until she was 18.

She encouraged the students to not let people tell them they couldn't do certain things just because of hearing loss.

She spoke to students using sign language, with Bendigo Deaf Hub founder Elise Stewart, who helped organise the meeting, interpreting for children with hearing aids.

“When I was young, because I never saw any deaf people, I didn't realise deaf people could do awesome things,” Asphyxia said.

“When I went to study I loved painting and I asked teachers if I could come into a course — the teacher said no, it's not for deaf people.

“I kept asking and asking and he let me in, and now I'm a professional artist."

She encouraged the students to never let deafness get in the way of their dreams, and asked each student what they wanted to be when they grew up.

Teacher of the deaf at Guthrie Street Primary School Helen Banting said Asphyxia's visit was "awesome" for the self-esteem of the nine students in the deaf facility.

“It’s really important because we live in a small town and sometimes the only deaf people our kids get to meet is at school,” Mrs Banting said.

“To see a deaf adult and know they can aspire to do great things like Asphyxia is really good for their self-esteem, it’s really good for their self-awareness for their concept of who they are. “Our motto in the deaf facility is deaf can do anything, and just because they’re deaf doesn’t mean they can’t do great things.”

She said the students had been discussing Asphyxia's books before she visited.

“We’re really grateful Asphyxia has come, we’ve looked at her books and things and we’re grateful she can come and be a role model and a mentor,” Mrs Banting said.

It was the first time Bendigo Deaf Hub had brought a guest speaker to the school, and founder Elise Stewart said the hub planned to bring more out in coming months.