Member Spotlight: Jasmine Simmons Finds Gratitude Amidst Disability
<p><strong>Jasmine Simmons, Au.D.</strong> (she/her) is an audiologist living with <a href="https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/usher-syndrome" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">Usher Syndrome</a>. Dr. Simmons’ journey to diagnosis has been a rollercoaster. She was born with sensorineural hearing loss but was misdiagnosed at birth. As a toddler, she received a cochlear implant which allows her to hear. As a child, she was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa though Usher Syndrome was mentioned due to the vision and hearing loss. It was not for another 20 years that she would receive the official Usher Syndrome diagnosis through genetic testing. (Her type (1D) of Usher Syndrome is considered rare.) Around the same time, she was deemed legally blind.</p>
<p>Despite the rollercoaster of emotions that come with hearing and vision loss, Dr. Simmons feels grateful for Usher Syndrome. Having a clear diagnosis and acknowledgment of her disability has helped to establish her life’s path. “It has taught me patience, kindness, and much more. My disability has led me to meet some of my closest friends and opened doors for opportunities that I would’ve never had if I did not have Usher syndrome.”</p>
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