Laura Eakiri: Inspiring Readers with Lety’s Deaf Diaries: I Can Do Anything!
Laura Eakiri is an emerging author who has captured hearts with her latest children’s book, Lety’s Deaf Diaries: I Can Do Anything! Through this uplifting story, Eakiri shines a light on themes of resilience, empathy, and the power of embracing one’s identity, creating an impactful narrative that resonates with readers of all ages.
A Story That Inspires
Lety’s Deaf Diaries follows the journey of Lety, a young deaf girl who navigates life’s challenges with determination and joy. The book celebrates diversity, encourages self-confidence, and promotes a message that everyone—regardless of ability—has the power to succeed.
Central to the story is the role of American Sign Language (ASL), which Lety uses to connect with others and express herself. By incorporating ASL into her storytelling, Eakiri introduces young readers to a beautiful and essential form of communication, fostering understanding and inclusion.
A Personal Connection
Eakiri’s own journey is as inspiring as the story she has written. A former student of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program at the Van Buren Intermediate School District (VBISD), she credits the program for much of her success in her academic and artistic pursuits. However, her educational path was filled with unique challenges and learning experiences that shaped her perspective and mission.
“I had a mainstream education at Lawrence Public Schools, attending from preschool through high school graduation, with only a few other deaf and hard of hearing students,” Eakiri shares. “After a few tries at attending regional colleges and universities, where I was one of few deaf students, I pursued studies at Gallaudet University, where I was surrounded by a large deaf community as well as some hearing students. Later, I transferred to the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID)/RIT, where the student population was a mix of both deaf and hearing students.”
While she did not graduate from these institutions, her experiences in both deaf and hearing environments provided invaluable lessons. Ultimately, becoming a mother motivated her to write children’s books to empower, guide, and educate others.
Finding Her Passion
Eakiri’s journey into writing and illustration began with a love for art. “My passion is working as an illustrator to advocate for Deaf culture and sign language, especially with deaf children. However, I haven’t found any college or apprenticeship programs or job opportunities that focus on this,” she explains.
Her graphic design journey started at the Van Buren Technology Center and further developed at Gallaudet University and NTID/RIT, where she gained skills in both design and writing. Her interest in advocacy emerged from the challenges she faced in school, particularly in finding her identity and choosing a career path.
“My Deaf Ed teachers, interpreters, and supervisor from VBISD supported my talents in art and believed in my success,” Eakiri says. “Two teachers from NTID encouraged my passion for advocating for Deaf culture and guided me on my path as an author. Their support helped shape who I am today.”
The Impact of VBISD and Deaf Culture
VBISD played a pivotal role in Eakiri’s early education, providing access to resources and instilling a belief that she could achieve anything. “VBISD always provided me with access, believed in me, and taught me that I can succeed and do anything. Many people recognized my skills in art, motivation for education, as well as my involvement in activities.”
However, she also realized that her knowledge of Deaf culture was limited during her school years. “It was during my college years that I was able to deepen my understanding of Deaf culture, and it had a profound impact on me. As a result of these experiences, I hope to inspire institutions and programs for the deaf and hard of hearing to teach Deaf culture. I also want to encourage hearing children to connect with their deaf peers and build friendships. This can empower deaf students—giving them confidence, joy, and a strong sense of identity.”
Overcoming Challenges
Navigating an educational system designed primarily for hearing students posed challenges. “One of the main challenges I faced in my education was when my classmates didn’t feel comfortable or didn’t want to work with me in teams or as partners because my interpreter was next to me,” Eakiri recalls. “I sometimes felt like they thought I wasn’t good enough just because I am deaf. However, my interpreter was necessary to help me communicate by using sign language and translating it into speech for my classmates.”
Despite these obstacles, Eakiri remained determined. “I always proved myself by getting involved in teams and partnerships because I knew I was just as capable as they were. I learned from the same teachers and had the same education, so I knew I could succeed just like everyone else.”
A Love for Storytelling
Eakiri found inspiration in books that addressed themes of self-acceptance and resilience. “A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon inspires me. I have loved reading this book since I was in preschool. It tells the story of Camilla, a girl who struggles with bullying and self-acceptance. The book teaches an important lesson about loving yourself and expressing yourself without fear of others’ opinions.”
She deeply relates to the story, as she, too, struggled with self-acceptance growing up. “I was often bullied for being deaf and feared that others saw me as not good enough. But over time, I learned to stand up for myself and prove that I am just as capable as anyone else.”
A Message to Students
Eakiri’s journey is a testament to perseverance and self-belief, and she hopes to share that message with students facing similar challenges. “My message to other students with similar experiences is: don’t worry about what others think. Never let them make you feel limited or not enough. Never let them stop you from proving your worth. Always be grateful for sign language and Deaf culture, as they are a meaningful part of our lives. Embrace your identity with pride!”
The Importance of Learning Sign Language
Beyond her book, Eakiri emphasizes the need for proper sign language education. “Sign language is a serious language used for communication by deaf people, especially those who cannot hear or/and do not speak. Many hearing people misunderstand sign language when they learn it from other hearing people on YouTube, social media, or websites because those sources often lack a deep understanding of Deaf culture.”
She urges people to learn sign language from the deaf community. “Please learn sign language from deaf people to show respect for the deaf community, our culture, and our language. Take the time to learn sign language properly and truly connect with the deaf community to communicate effectively and gain a better understanding of our experiences and culture.”
Where to Find the Book
Lety’s Deaf Diaries: I Can Do Anything! is available on Amazon. Perfect for parents, teachers, and young readers, the book is a must-read for anyone who believes in the importance of diverse stories.
Laura Eakiri: A Beacon of Inspiration
Laura Eakiri’s journey from a VBISD student to an author is a story of resilience and triumph. Her commitment to empowering the next generation through her writing and school visits makes her a beacon of hope and inspiration. With Lety’s Deaf Diaries, she not only reminds children of their limitless potential but also fosters a world where every voice, every story, and every individual is valued.
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