What parent has it easy? I just never make the difficulty of it an obstacle. I just do it.

The handicap of deafness is not in the ear; it is in the mind.

I listen to Billy Joel. He is fabulous. I saw him with Elton John when they toured together, it was so great.

I got a good handshake. A lot of executives tell me I have the best handshake in Hollywood.

When I learned to sign and speak at the same time, the whole world opened up to me. That's the beauty of encouraging kids who are deaf to use whatever it takes to communicate.

When I was 13, I told Henry Winkler I wanted to act. He said, Do it and don't let anyone stand in your way. His validation just made it all the more true. I haven't stopped thanking him since.

I hope I inspire people who hear. Hearing people have the ability to remove barriers that prevent deaf people from achieving their dreams.