Malvern’s Kalindi raises positive awareness for #DeafCommunity

DEAF people can do anything except hear, is the philosophy of hearing-impaired Kalindi Persadh who proved just that when she graduated from UKZN with a Bachelor of Medical Science (Medical Microbiology) Honours degree.

The 23-year-old Malvern resident, now doing her Master’s Degree in Medical Science, said she aims to study further and work her way towards a PhD degree in health sciences and contribute to the science community and people in general.

Also read: Big break for disabled entrepreneurs

“I am profoundly deaf in my right ear with 10 per cent hearing in the other. I have the ability to lip-read, which helps me understand what people are saying. I also rely on a powerful hearing aid which I use in my barely capable ear,” she said.

“It was very difficult trying to hear in a full lecture theatre and it is not easy to lip-read and take notes at the same time.”

“I also have language and vocabulary deficiencies as my speech is unclear so I miss a great deal of crucial information usually gained through everyday conversations.

“My hearing aid helped me and lecturers were kind enough to wear an FM transmitting device which I provided. I am also grateful for the assistance and extra time given to me by my lecturers. I try to overcome all my obstacles by working hard every day,” she said.

Kalindi said she has a strong belief in God and her parents have also motivated and guided her every step of the way.

Also read: Caitlin cares for children with disabilities

She chose Medical Science because she loves science. “I have always been curious about health-related issues because of my hearing impairment. Hopefully, one day I will be able to help those in the same predicament.

“My experience at UKZN was fulfilling – the professors and lecturers were compassionate and always very helpful. I am grateful to the UKZN Disability Unit for all their assistance and to the university for accepting me as a student to do my Masters in Health Sciences,” she said.

Kalindi loves spending time with her family and friends, reading, swimming, and travelling. She is a strict vegetarian and her favourite dish is pasta and her favourite cook is her mom.

She has two younger siblings who are studying at UKZN. She feels fortunate to have parents who guide her and allow her to study further.

“I want to encourage students with any other disability to pursue their dreams,” she added.

Do you want to receive alerts regarding this and other Highway community news via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.

You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Highway Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts