Thriving with Hearing Loss at CapU
Published12 February, 2025
Photo credit Patrick Leung
Amisha’s journey at Capilano University transcends the usual academic experience – it’s a testament to overcoming fear and finding strength in unexpected places.
When Amisha Maini was diagnosed with hearing loss, the world around her changed. Her future suddenly felt full of uncertainty and anxiety.
“I was terrified,” Amisha recalls. “I couldn’t communicate the way I used to. People thought I was quiet or standoffish, but it wasn’t that. I just couldn’t hear them, and I felt so disconnected.”
The diagnosis came as a shock; however, Amisha knew she couldn’t let hearing loss define her.
Starting at CapU added to her anxiety. “I love being involved in class discussions, but I was scared I’d mishear something important,” she says. “I was afraid that if I told people about my hearing loss, they would judge me or, worse, pity me.”
In that vulnerability, Amisha found a spark of courage. After getting hearing aids, she began to feel more at ease with her new reality. “It wasn’t perfect, but it was a step,” she says.
Finding support at CapU
The turning point came when Amisha found out about CapU’s Centre for Accessibility Services.
“Accessibility Services made the world of difference – they just knew what I needed before I even had to ask.”
“They made the world of difference,” she says. “They just knew what I needed before I even had to ask. They made sure my instructors understood my situation. They arranged quiet exam spaces. They even helped me get referrals to doctors.”
It wasn’t just about accommodations – it was about care. Amisha didn’t feel like a burden; she felt seen and supported.
And it wasn’t just the staff. Her instructors and classmates made the journey easier. “They were so willing to help. They adjusted group work expectations and made sure everyone understood what I was going through. One small change, like using subtitles in videos helped me feel included and like I wasn’t falling behind.”
These simple but meaningful changes gave Amisha the space to thrive, instead of just survive.
With her confidence growing, Amisha began to look beyond her own challenges, turning her focus toward making a broader impact on the CapU community.
Making a difference
Amisha’s strength isn’t just in how she’s overcome challenges; it’s in how she’s used her struggles to help others.
When she realized CapU didn’t offer sign language courses, she couldn’t stay silent. “I couldn’t stop thinking about how much that would help not just me but other students too,” she says.
Thanks to her efforts, CapU now offers sign language as an elective. “It’s something I’m so proud of,” Amisha says. “I didn’t just get through this. I helped make things better for the next person.”
Stepping into leadership
Amisha’s story isn’t just about academic success – it’s about growing into the person she never thought she could be.
She took on leadership roles that pushed her beyond her comfort zone, like serving as president of the Human Resource Management Association and Accessibility Justice Coordinator with the Capilano Students’ Union.
“I never thought I’d be in these positions,” she says. “But with the right people supporting me, I’ve learned to take risks, to be fearless in the face of uncertainty.”
After starting her new role, Amisha still had her concerns. “I was so scared of interacting with parents and prospective students. But my managers believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. They trusted me to take the lead, and that trust made all the difference.”
Through their encouragement, Amisha began to see herself differently – not as someone limited by her hearing loss, but as someone with the power to lead and inspire.
Words of advice for students
Amisha’s advice to anyone facing their own struggles is simple: “You don’t have to do this alone. It’s okay to be vulnerable and ask for help. People want to support you, but you have to let them in. Surround yourself with those who lift you up. Don’t hide what you’re going through. Sharing it can open doors to so much more than you can imagine.”
Looking to the future
Looking back on her time at CapU, Amisha can hardly believe how far she’s come. “I never imagined I’d be where I am today. I’m more confident, more capable and surer of myself than I ever was,” she says. “CapU has given me more than I expected. I want to give that back, maybe by working on campus one day.”
Her story is proof that challenges don’t have to define us. With the right mindset, the right people, and the right support, we can turn our struggles into something powerful.
