Living with Hearing Loss & Deafness with Samatha Baines
In this episode of Why Care?, host Nadia Nagamootoo speaks with comedian, author, and actor Samantha Baines. Samantha shares her journey of discovering she has hearing loss in her late twenties, embracing her deaf identity, and advocating for better access and representation in the arts. She discusses her books, her experiences navigating comedy and acting with deafness, and the importance of language in shaping identity. Samantha also reflects on finding out she has ADHD, barriers faced by women in comedy, and why inclusion and access coordinators are essential to transforming creative industries. A funny, honest, and thought-provoking conversation that blends advocacy, creativity, and resilience.
Key Takeaways
Identity and language matter: shifting from “sufferer” to proud deaf representation challenges stigma.
Access coordinators and inclusive practices create equal opportunities in creative industries.
Women and neurodiverse people face systemic barriers in comedy and the arts that must be addressed.
Comedy and writing can be powerful tools for advocacy, inclusion, and representation.
Embracing diagnoses like deafness and ADHD can empower self-understanding and drive change.
Highlights
Samantha’s journey to discovering and embracing her deaf identity.
The role of language in shaping perceptions of deafness and disability.
Barriers and gender imbalance in the comedy industry.
How access coordinators can transform inclusion in the arts.
Samantha’s experience of being diagnosed with ADHD and its impact.
Using comedy, books, and acting to challenge stereotypes and build representation.
