Imagine going to class unable to hear the professor teach, struggling to communicate with peers and always being seen as different.

One student at Arkansas State University lives that reality. Thomas “T.J.” Baker, a senior history major from Cabot, Arkansas, cannot hear. Veronica Parten interpreted Baker’s words used in this article.

Baker is studying at A-State to teach history after he graduates. He said he feels accommodated at A-State, but sees areas in which accommodations could be improved. He said he loves to spend time with people including his family and friends. Finally, his attitude inspires those around him, according to his interpreter and one of his professors.  

Baker is working to get his Bachelor of Science in Education in history. He also helps teach American Sign Language classes at A-State. He said he hopes to teach history at a deaf school, but also wants to help others learn ASL.

“I want to teach ASL. I want to do that, too. Maybe at a public school or maybe even be able to give free classes,” Baker said.

Baker previously attended Arkansas State University-Beebe where he received a degree in computer systems. He said he chose to come to A-State to pursue his passion: teaching.

“I love teaching, ever since I was little.  I loved getting books and playing school. I always liked doing that, like pretending to grade papers,” Baker said.

In order for Baker to pursue his degree, he requires accommodations. Since he is deaf, an interpreter attends all of his classes with him. A-State provided him with two interpreters, the primary one being Veronica Parten.

Baker said he thinks A-State does a good job of accommodating his needs.

“They’re really good. They gave me a good interpreter with (Parten),” Baker said.

Parten said in addition to accommodating Baker, professors do a good job welcoming her into their classrooms.

“They’ve been really great, really great. He has some professors that will grab the comfy chair for me,” Parten said.

While A-State provides Baker with an interpreter for his classes, he said he sees some areas in which accommodations could be improved. He said he participates in the Gender and Sexuality Alliance, but does not receive accommodations for clubs.

“I think there should be some improvements that they could do, like for personal meetings. You know, (my interpreter) does Zoom sometimes, but meetings for personal things, like for the GSA meetings, stuff like that, you know, I don’t have an interpreter provided for those,” Baker said.

Baker serves as the co-chair of social media for GSA. He said he enjoys the club, but struggles to communicate with others.

“I really need an interpreter for that, because I just sit there,” Baker said.

Although he struggles to communicate within the GSA, he said he feels accepted and supported by those in the club.

In addition to his relationships formed with other students, Baker said he cares about his family. He said he particularly values his relationship with his sister Sabrina.

“She checks on me. I’d say she’s my hero, my best friend,” Baker said.

Baker said he signs with his sisters, Sabrina and Natasha, and his parents. However, he cannot communicate with all of his family members.

“Not a lot of my family really learned sign language, a lot of them just write back and forth. So, when we’re at a family gathering, I try to read their lips, but I just pretty much sit quietly,” Baker said.

Baker said he feels isolated at times because of his deafness.

“I wish there was more deaf interaction. I wish we had more deaf people here, more people that were deaf in this area,” Baker said.

Baker’s positive attitude, despite his challenges, inspires those around him.

Parten interprets for deaf people in the community, but often works with Baker for his classes at A-State. Throughout her time interpreting for him, Parten said she grew to know Baker.

“TJ is a very determined person. Whenever he sets a goal, he’s going to achieve it. If he sees something that needs to be changed, he’s going to do what he can to make that change to improve for everybody, not just himself,” Parten said.

Kellie Buford, an associate professor of history and the interim chair of the criminology, sociology and geography department, previously taught Baker in three classes.

“He is an amazing person and a really inspiring person. He’s overcome a lot of obstacles to get where he is and he has done it with such a positive attitude,” Buford said.

Buford said in addition to following accommodation guidelines, getting to know Baker helped her meet his needs. She also said she enjoyed having an interpreter in her classroom.

“He’s worth all of the time and effort,” Buford said.

Baker is striving to meet his goals of becoming a teacher and helping others learn ASL. Because of his positive attitude, he made a lasting impact on those around him.

“I want people to remember me being deaf-empowered,” Baker said.

Categories: Life