Danielle vying for Miss Deaf International

by Lisa KingDanielle Depradine will represent Barbados at the inaugural Miss Deaf International Pageant being held in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States,  in July.The 20-year-old, vivacious lass told the SATURDAY SUN through interpreter Bonnie Leonce, that her passion for modelling led her to apply to enter  the show.Danielle learnt of the pageant through Miss Barbados World Leah Marville, who gave her  a link to the website through which she later applied. She said that the application process was simple. “They sent me the application package with all the information [and]  I filled out the applications and posted it back.”  The show will be held from July 14 to 23. More than 40 contestants from across the world are competing with Danielle being the only one from the Caribbean. As the time approaches, Danielle, who loves photography and meeting people, is anxious but excited about a number  of things.  “I need to know what is required of me. I have been watching modelling shows and going over the questions that were sent for the interview. I need to find the perfect gown,” she added.The pageant will consist of four categories – private interview, swimsuit competition, artistic expression,  and assessment of leadership abilities. Danielle is totally thrilled about the opportunity  to travel and meet other deaf people from other cultures and is not fazed by the challenges ahead. This young beauty competed in Miss Barbados World 2009, winning won Best Gown, People’s Choice, Best Couture, and Most Promising Contestant. She has  also modelled in local fashion shows and had a one-year contract with SFC International.She will also represent Barbados as the Deaf Ambassador, a role set up through the Barbados Council for the Disabled.  She intends to use this role to help the disabled, especially encouraging the deaf to be more involved in activities, telling them of the danger of HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancies, and advising them on how to make best  use of opportunities presented to them.“I want to be an advocate for the local deaf community, as they can do anything and deserve a fulfilling experience like everyone else,” she said.Though slim in stature, Danielle is a powerhouse and catalyst for change within the disabled community and does  not consider her deafness a disability. “When I was younger,  I did not feel any different, but  as I grew older I started to feel  a little down and that it may be better to be hearing.”  Today she is of a different opinion. She continued: “I do not have any problems with life. What I do not like is when people say negative things about deaf persons; they are normal and it is just a hearing loss, but they can do anything.“I want to show that the deaf are able; I want people to look at me and see what I can do and then regret  the things they have said,” she said.Danielle is asking Barbadians to assist  with her journey, and for sponsorship. She is also asking people to visit the website www.missdeafinternational.com  to follow the pageant’s progress.