As the digital world grows, so does its opportunities. While we generally feel the convenience of having a digital option such as working remotely or doing video conference calls, this has a much bigger effect on people with disabilities. Imagine the opportunities of working remotely if you're in a wheelchair or being able to communicate digitally if you're deaf or mute. The digital world has created a huge pool for people of disabilities to work in without worrying.
Speaking of which, we have a very special interview today. This is with someone we work very closely with, our very own web designer, Marvin Velasco. We'll get to know just who he is, how he got here and get inspired by his journey.
Can you tell us a little more about yourself and what you do?
My name is Marvin Velasco. I live in Muntinlupa City. I have been working as a Digital Imaging and UI/UX Designer for 3 years now and I am currently employed at EOI Digital, I am workin on web projects such as designing dashboard, landing pages, e-commerce pages and the like .
How did you lose your hearing and what was it like growing up?
I am profoundly deaf due to an illness I had when I was a baby. I grew up quiet and not speaking. In pre-school, I was the only deaf person in a regular school with no idea on how to speak and hear. I was then transferred to the Philippines School for the Deaf, and that's where I started to learn sign language.
In college, I studied and graduated from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde with a degree in Bachelor of Applied Deaf Studies and specialized in Computer Graphic Arts and Technology.
Do you think your disability helped you towards being creative in what you do today?
Ever since I was a kid, I already loved art as a way of self-expression and that has just evolved into what I do now. With digital imaging, I developped in-store designs, final artworks, retouching image and printing. I've created branding, poster and more design advertising for companies. These range from large and popular ones like Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich and other small clients both internationally and locally.
I also work with UX which stands for User Experience, it defines how the web/app works. It also involves researches and creating wireframes. Meanwhile, UI stands for User Interface, it defines how the web/app looks and feels and brings concepts from visual designs. Both are always work together but I am more inclined towards UI design. If you'd like to see some of my works, visit my page Behance.
What are your views on the digital industry and, specifically, what it represents for persons with disabilities?
I think it does help us with opportunities but generally, it's just normal everyday life on the internet. Every individual has a different use and value for the internet, the same goes for people with disabilities.
You do a lot in your job, yet you have a disability that many people would find daunting in their everyday life. How do you do it?
I think majority of us people with disabilities constantly struggle with out mental health as it comes with a lot of judgement. At the same time, I think that the struggle means you are doing something and you are living your life to the fullest. I'm lucky to have strong emotional support. I have great friends and family who support me every step of the way.
What do you like to do when you're not working?
Aside from my everyday work, I love collecting Funko pop toys. I also enjoy watching movies with subtitles, taking photos and videos when traveling with deaf travel buddies and meeting new people. If you're interested in seeing my travel photos, visit and follow me on instagram @vinlasco.
What message do you have for others with a disability?
I'd like to tell everyone that you shouldn't allow others to tell you you can’t do something just because you’re a deaf. There are no limits, you can do anything except 'hearing' ;).
Posted from the EOI Digital Transformation and Marketing blog : https://agency.eoi.digital/eoi-digital/meet-marvin-the-creativity-of-a-hearing-impaired-individual/