Abigail Heringer, known to Bachelor Nation as the first-ever deaf contestant on both The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise, is more than just a reality TV star. Her journey, marked by hearing loss and a cochlear implant, has led her to become an advocate for disability awareness and a beacon of hope for those navigating similar challenges. In a recent interview, Abigail discussed her new memoir, The Deaf Girl, her relationship with her fiancé, Noah, and her perspective on the show's push for diversity.
The Genesis of a Memoir
Writing a book was never Abigail's ambition, but the overwhelming response she received after appearing on The Bachelor changed her perspective. The questions and expressions of gratitude for sharing her story highlighted the need for representation and understanding. This realization prompted Abigail and her mother to embark on a three-year journey to create The Deaf Girl.
A Collaborative Writing Process
The writing process itself was a deep dive into Abigail's past. With the help of a ghostwriter, Abigail and her mom spent hours each week unpacking memories and experiences, from her early childhood to her college years. This collaborative effort unearthed forgotten stories and allowed Abigail to relive moments she had previously blocked out.
Themes of Identity and Disability
While the book touches on hearing loss, its themes extend beyond that. Abigail emphasizes that it's about disability, identity, and the struggle to accept oneself. She hopes readers will understand that it's possible to be two things at once and that having a disability doesn't have to be a burden.
Inspiration from Nyle DiMarco
Abigail found inspiration in Nyle DiMarco's memoir, Deaf Utopia: A Memoir ― and a Love Letter to a Way of Life. Despite sharing the experience of being deaf, their perspectives and experiences within the deaf community differed significantly. This realization motivated Abigail to share her unique perspective, aiming to raise awareness and promote allyship.
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Navigating 'Bachelor Nation' as the First Deaf Contestant
Being the first deaf person in Bachelor Nation was a daunting experience for Abigail. Unsure of how her needs would be accommodated, she entered the show with some trepidation. While she acknowledges the show's efforts to increase diversity, she believes there's still room for improvement in how diverse stories are approached and edited, to avoid tokenism.
Wedding Bells and Book Tours
Currently, Abigail is busy planning her wedding to Noah and preparing for her book tour. She credits her wedding planner for keeping her sane amidst the chaos of wedding planning. Following the wedding and book tour, Abigail looks forward to a relaxing holiday season, free from the demands of socializing.
Connecting with Students and Sharing Personal Journeys
Abigail's book tour includes visits to schools with personal connections to her. While nervous about being in the spotlight again, she is eager to share her story and connect with students. She emphasizes that everyone's journey with disability is unique, even within her own family. Her sister, who also has profound hearing loss and a cochlear implant, has navigated her disability in a completely different way.
The Cochlear Implant Decision
Abigail's journey with hearing loss began with a gene mutation that affected her and her sister. Her mother made the decision to pursue cochlear implants for them, believing it would provide them with the best opportunities. At the time, the emphasis was on verbal communication, and Abigail was encouraged to prioritize spoken language over sign language. While she acknowledges the value of ASL, she hadn't had the opportunity to learn it extensively.
The Future for Abigail
Looking ahead, Abigail isn't planning on returning to Bachelor in Paradise. While she's proud of her memoir, she doesn't have immediate plans to write another book. She wants to see how The Deaf Girl is received before considering another literary endeavor.
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