"I'm Ladyslipper Constantine.  I am deaf although I can hear with my Cochlear Implant.  Understanding voice in SL is difficult for me as it depends on the speaker's voice and the speaker's mic. 

A couple of RL friends talked about SL and I first joined in 2007.  My first experience was horrible. I had no idea what I was doing or where to go and never saw anyone to talk to.  I couldn't even figure out how to fly.  After two days, I left.  About 6 months later one of those RL friends talked me into returning.  The orientation was a bit better and my friend was there to help me after I finally got thru the orientation.   

I was introduced to Virtual Ability by the same friend who talked me into coming back to SL.  I had joined Virtual Ability Friends by clicking that sign at VAI, but was unaware it was not the real Virtual Ability group until the same friend mentioned a Halloween party and I wondered why I hadn't gotten a notice about it.  I then asked to join the real Virtual Ability group. 

Because of my experience entering SL, I inquired about helping newcomers on VAI and was directed to join the Second Ability Mentor group.   Eventually I was asked to help form the Virtual Ability Mentors  group since many mentors had no idea on how to help or assist those with disabilities.  

When Virtual Ability took over Cape Able, I purchased land there and became an assistant to the CA manager.  When Virtual Ability decided to purchase another residential sim, I was asked to manage and completely terraform Cape Serenity.  Because of my hearing loss, I have given presentations on the need for both voice and text both at Virtual Ability presentations and for other organizations.  I'm also a VAI greeter and welcome new members to the VAI group as well as attend presentations to welcome those who arrive and assist them with any tech difficulties they may have, such as not hearing voice. 

Being a member of VAI has really helped me in RL.   I have become more confident in my ability to do things because VAI gave me the opportunity and encouraged me.  I can now give talks/presentations without hesitation, both in SL and in RL.   Going so many years with just a hearing aid (which didn't help much) isolated me from so many things.  VAI has given me back a sense of belonging and that has in turn given me the same in RL.  Thank you Virtual Ability!”