David Herridge ~ Biography
Born with a profound hearing loss. The cause of his deafness is unknown. At 18 months old David was fitted with hearing aids as his parents felt strongly about giving him the chance to become part of the hearing world.
After graduating from The Shepherd Centre Early Intervention Program, David was enrolled at Roseville Special Unit but became so bored and disruptive it was decided he should be mainstreamed at Northbridge Public School. He then went onto complete his high school education at Cranbrook School, becoming a prefect in Year 12.
David did a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Wollongong University and received no special privileges from the academic staff due to his hearing loss. Of 500 people nationwide to apply for Reserve Bank Cadetships, David received one of 10 cadetships during 1990.
In 1995 David completed his Master of Commerce degree at the University of NSW. In 1998 he married Alison Lumby, who is also profoundly deaf.
In 2001 David and Alison established a mail-order business called “Hearing Aid Batteries Express”. Being profoundly deaf and experienced hearing aid users, they understood the needs and problems faced by their customers. The business is proving to be an exciting challenge for them in a hearing world where business is dominated by oral communication and the telephone. Fortunately, technology advances have made it possible for deaf people to participate in the hearing world.
In 2002 David had a cochlear implant operation and was successfully “switched on”. He is still getting used to all the new frequencies and realising how noisy this world is!
David still works with the Reserve Bank in Personnel Department. He has worked in various roles including being on a project team upgrading the Bank’s human resources computer system. While not working, he enjoys reading, swimming, woodworking and sailing.
Alison and David have a very active son named Josh. His hearing is perfect, he loves music and is a happy chatterbox! His parents have to be careful what they say as he listens to everyone’s conversation!
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