A key factor in the Hard of Hearing, Deafened, and Deaf populations receiving services is the ability to work together. In order to work together, professionals need to understand the populations involved and recognize the different needs of these persons. This session will provide a personal perspective of deafened and hard of hearing persons and how they can be served in the service system. Steve Larew will share his personal experiences as a deafened adult and his path as a deafened college student to becoming a professional in the field of rehabilitation and education. Areas discussed will include communication strategies, developing coping skills, and recognition and acceptance of differences.