Paperback book written by Gaynor Tilby.

I was motivated to write this book, as my beautiful Hearing Dog Indigo, has made such an incredible difference to my life. I feel that there is very little representation of deafness in literature. I hope my story of overcoming the challenges of being deaf, inspires those who may feel marginalised, and remind them, we are so much more than our disability.

The book follows the challenges and tribulations of growing up deaf in a hearing world. Well-meaning professionals focused on my disability rather than my ability. Classroom bullies at school left a long legacy that deafness is something that should be hidden.

Fast forward to 2012, I was partnered with Indigo who was trained by the charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. I learnt to work with him and understood that I no longer needed to face my disability on my own. Indigo provides a positive deaf identity, brings his own personality, charm, and spreads joy to many people we meet. These include those in my world of work as a probation officer in the Criminal Justice System, both in the community and prisons.

My story offers a window into the world of deafness, the role of hearing dogs, and my work as a probation officer in the Criminal Justice System. This story is about triumph over disability.