Malia Johnson was born in Los Angeles, CA. She was confirmed legally deaf at 6 months of age. She had slight hearing in both ears with the assistance of hearing aids. As a child, she was mainstreamed in public school and took private vocal lessons. After graduating from high school in 1981, Malia decided college would be a challenge for her. Most colleges did not offer interpretive services for the Deaf at that time. Although she wanted to obtain a degree, the early 80’s were not an economically feasible time for her to do so. Malia went directly into the job market. Her travels have carried her through various jobs and many places, to include California, New York, Massachusetts, Africa, and London. In addition, a talented stage performer, Malia worked with the National Theatre for the Deaf.

Malia’s travels eventually brought her to live in Orlando, FL where she works for a major company. She is currently a Human Resource Assistant and plans one day to be a Human Resource Manager. At her company, Malia is recognized as a leading consultant on Deaf Culture and can often be found lecturing in seminars or teaching American Sign Language to employees.

In addition to her job, Malia is currently back in school attending University of Phoenix, obtaining the degree she has always dreamed of. However, when she goes to college now, it is with two interpreters and a note taker. While the interpreter tells her what the instructor is saying, the note taker types any pertinent information needed in note format. All colleges now offer services to persons with disabilities. Malia’s hearing is now limited to slight sounds in one ear with the assistance of a hearing aid.

In her everyday environment, Malia uses the telephone (limited), email, an alpha pager and her companion, Ayla to assist her. Ayla is Malia’s hearing assistant dog. Malia adopted Ayla, a beautiful black lab as a puppy, and with the assistance of the Orlando Kennel Club and the Florida Guide Dogs for the Deaf, Ayla is now a certified service animal. She goes everywhere Malia goes. At work, she lets Malia know when the phone is ringing, when someone knocks on her door, or in general, when a noise needs to be brought to Malia’s attention. At home, Ayla alerts Malia to the alarm clock, the doorbell, the house burglar and fire alarm, the phone ringing, the pager vibrating loudly on the counter, or again, any other noises Malia needs to respond to. Malia relies on Ayla’s assistance to hear common everyday noises. When speaking with people, Malia depends heavily on lip reading and usually will be as close to a speaker as she can. She uses lip reading and body language when she is communicating.

Throughout her life, Malia has worked hard to give Deaf people a voice. She is a passionate advocate for the Deaf. She strives to prove to the hearing world that Deaf people are nothing less than equal to hearing people. Malia’s disability makes her more aware of the world around her. Malia strives to prove to the hearing world that you can work side by side with a Deaf person and not feel uncomfortable. She wants the world to understand that simply because a person communicates with their hands, it does not make them any different from the many nationalities we have living in the United States.

Malia currently owns and operates DeafTalk, LLC. She continues to pursue bridging the gap between the Deaf and Hearing worlds. Through her consulting business, Malia works with companies, schools, charitable organizations, and individuals, where she enhances their knowledge on the Deaf Culture. Malia used to be a reporter for Community Ears, a deaf newspaper.