Amanda McDonough

Amanda McDonough is a skilled inspirational speaker, author and actress who communicates fluently in English, American Sign Language, and Simultaneous Communication (two languages at the exact same time). Amanda is described as having an infectiously positive personality, a quick wit, and a great sense of humor!

Her new book “Ready to be Heard” is the story of how Ms. McDonough (mc-duh-nuh) lost her hearing, taught herself to speak after becoming deaf and mute, taught herself to lip-read, and to sign. Amanda explains how she discovered a new culture, language, and most importantly, herself. In this memoir, the author narrates how she managed to finish college after becoming deaf. How she garnered straight A’s in school, entered the workforce, enjoyed a successful Hollywood acting career (Freeform’s "Switched at Birth," ABC's "Speechless," NBC's "Bad Judge," Google, 7UP, Deaf West/ Pasadena Playhouse's "Our Town," etc.), fought for her independence, and found her purpose. “Ready to be Heard” tells about the author’s inspiring journey to find a balance between the hearing world she was raised in and the Deaf culture to which she now belonged.

Amanda has been a speaker and resilience trainer for organizations and companies such as: The US Airforce, Cal Poly Pomona, UC Riverside, Saddle Ranch Church, Diamond Ranch High School, and many more!