Marlee Matlin Deafness Quotations

I began acting on stage when I was 7 years old. My first role was as Dorothy in 'The Wizard of Oz' at Chicago's Center on Deafness in Northbrook, Illinois.

I like to say that the greatest handicap of deafness does not lie in the ear, it lies in the mind. 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.

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

I live my life like everyone else; everyone has their own obstacles. Mine is deafness.