LIT’s Monica Bradley-Pier helps deaf and hard-of-hearing

9/9/2021

BEAUMONT – Monica Bradley-Pier offers a new world of communication and hope to students who are deaf and hard-of-hearing. She is one of a handful of providers in Southeast Texas who offer interpretive-specific services to the deaf. As Lamar Institute of Technology’s Communication Access Provider, Bradley-Pier has been a mainstay at the college since starting part-time more than 20 years ago.

In addition to translating words into visual sign language for every Fall and Spring commencement ceremony at LIT, she has provided interpreting services for LIT’s individual deaf students or patrons when requested. She also has worked in over 20 years at community hospitals, doctors’ offices, churches, police departments and schools. Bradly-Pier said, weddings are one of her favorite venues.

Currently, she helps two deaf and hard-of-hearing students on campus; others attending now don’t require an interpreter, Bradley-Pier said.

She fondly recalls what first motivated her to learn sign language over 30 years ago: “Meeting someone in middle school who was deaf; I didn’t realize originally that she was. I was curious about her life and language. I wanted to be sure she felt included and involved in activities/conversations...to be her ears so she knew she was important. She would later become a very dear friend.”
 
The State of Texas-certified interpreter said one of her most memorable experiences came at a doctor's appointment with a pregnant client who was hard-of-hearing. “I helped her recognize her baby's heartbeat for the first time. She was able to feel the vibration and understand what she was hearing. That was very special.”

Bradley-Pier has her own side business, but derives pure enjoyment from a student graduating and becoming employed. “It’s a huge milestone. Knowing I was a part of helping someone achieve this goal in life is most rewarding.”

Her advice to all of us—hearing and non-hearing—is: “We have many senses we often take for granted. We should remind ourselves every day that life as we know it is precious and should be protected and valued at all times. Lastly, be kind to each other...kindness goes a long way.”

Bradley-Pier can be reached via Facebook messenger for anyone needing interpretive assistance.