Connections with Evan Dawson

Connections continues their series of conversations about inclusion during Dialogue on Disability Week.

Barbara Isaman Bushart began to lose her hearing when she was 23 years old. About 15 years ago, she received her first cochlear implant. Bushart says her expectations for that first implant were low: she had been deaf for many years at that point, and after working with the Deaf community as a social worker, she had mixed feelings about implants in general. After the surgery and the adjustment period, Bushart says her brain was "hungry" toacquire sounds and speech, and the implants exceeded her expectations. But, years later, she had to have the implant replaced. The experience came with a number of challenges. Bushart shares her story and what she's learned about accessing resources. Gregory Horton, director of audiology at the Rochester Hearing and Speech Center, also joins the conversation to discuss barriers to healing health. Hour two of Connections with Evan Dawson airs at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 26th.

This story is part of Dialogue on Disability Week, a partnership between WXXI and Al Sigl Community of Agencies -- in conjunction with the Herman and Margaret Schwartz Community Series.