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(birds chirping)
(leaves rustling)

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(electronic hum)

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- [Narrator] My name is Atheel Mary.

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I work as an accountant

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for the International and Federal Business Division

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at the Defense Contract Management Agency.

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I work a lot at my desk and prefer email

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as a method of communication.

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I also have telecommunication services

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such as the video phone that was provided to me

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for those who need to speak with me on the phone.

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I also move around, working with my team members,

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so I conduct business as normal as would any other employee.

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I don't let my deafness get in the way

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of getting the job done,

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and this is due in part with how I grew up.

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I was the first deaf person in my family,

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so I grew up with communication challenges.

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As I was growing up,

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I found different ways to communicate,

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like using body language, gestures,

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facial expressions, pen and paper.

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The important thing is to have a good understanding

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and patience with me as a deaf person.

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I'm very fortunate to have a wonderful team.

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They're very patient with me, and very helpful.

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I really appreciate their support.

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I also really appreciate that DCMA-FB

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provides an onsite interpreter three days a week

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for the two deaf employees here at HQ.

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Now I can interact with other employees more frequently.

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This organization has been very good to me.

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I really enjoy working for DCMA.