I'm not really deaf; I just faked it to win the Oscar KIDDING.

I've always wanted to write a book relating my experiences growing up as a deaf child in Chicago. Contrary to what people might think, it wasn't all about hearing aids and speech classes or frustrations.

At the end of the day, it's about the best interests of the children.

Deaf people can do anything, except hear.

I have made the choices that work best for me. I know I cannot please everyone, and that's fine.

I hope that through my example, such as my role on 'The West Wing,' I can help change attitudes on deafness and prove we can really do everything... except hear.

If I were offered a cochlear implant today, I would prefer not to have one. But that's not a statement about hearing aids or cochlear implants. It's about who you are.