Emerging Deaf Leader: Meet Grace Pechman

Safe’N’Clear, Inc. is featuring Grace Pechman for our brand new emerging Deaf Leaders Series!

Grace attends Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and hopes to make a big impact in the veterinary medicine field. Pechman started to notice her ability to communicate diminished during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was able to confirm her hearing loss, and she has moderately severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.

Grace stated that she most likely will be profoundly deaf at some point in her life. However, Grace says deafness does not scare her. She has a very supportive group in her life, family and friends, colleagues in veterinary medicine, and those whom she has met through the Association of Medical Professionals with Hearing Losses (AMPHL). Pechman is learning American Sign Language (ASL) so she can communicate with others who use ASL.

Pechman attended the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB), majoring in biology with double emphases in pre-veterinary and animal biology while double minoring in chemistry and business administration. She was a first-generation college student and graduated cum laude.

The very first Deaf and Hard of Hearing Veterinary Students Club (DHHVS) was founded by Pechman and friend/colleague Sadie B. This club is the first of its kind at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and likely in the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). “We advocate for and enhance the understanding of students with disabilities, especially those with hearing loss. This club was founded due to frustrations regarding the lack of inclusivity, accessibility, and accommodations in veterinary schools and clinics, and we recognized the importance of making necessary changes for future veterinarians,” said Pechman. The current goal is to make this group more formally recognized in the AVMA so that there is a nationally recognized group to provide support and resources for those with disabilities in the veterinary field.

Grace explained that having a physical disability on top of a challenging program is extremely stressful. However, all the work and effort will be worth it when she sees ‘DVM’ behind her name and ‘Dr.’ in front. She is proud to be a deaf leader in veterinary medicine.

Pechman is able to bring a unique perspective to vet med with her deafness. Those with disabilities are one of the most marginalized groups in veterinary medicine, and she loves that she can help her peers and colleagues, along with staff and clients, be more inclusive so that vet med can continue to grow in its understanding of Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA).

“I think the people around me can see how much I strive for inclusion for all unique- abilities. In clinics, this means taking the time to explain that I am deaf/hard of hearing and why I respectfully ask others to communicate appropriately and have patience,” said Pechman. Pechman is extremely willing to help others understand the accommodations process and help them with navigating vet school with hearing loss. Her dedication to inclusiveness can be seen with her efforts through organizations like DHHVS and speaking with other individuals in vet schools and AMPHL.

Grace wants others to know that asking for help is acceptable. “Not everyone wants their hearing loss to be known for a variety of reasons, and that is understandable. Your feelings are valid, and you are not alone. Just know that there are others with similar circumstances who have resources and experiences that can be shared with you. Whenever you are ready, we are there to help,” said Pechman. Pechman also wants others to know to not let anyone stop you from achieving your dreams nor let them tell you that you’re incapable of doing something.

“My hope is that those in the veterinary field will continue to push for proper inclusivity for those with disabilities. I think vet med wants to grow in its understanding of DEI and while some changes have been made, there is still so much more that needs to be done. Hopefully in the future, there will be a nationally recognized organization in the AVMA for veterinarians with disabilities,” said Pechman.

“You will generally see me be loud and proud of my hearing loss. And I am PROUD. I would not change who I am for anything,” said Pechman.