Reflections of Joy's Life by Lynn Sinnott

Joy McMahon (1925-2016)

From the first time I met Joy McMahon I knew I had met a passionate advocate for the Deaf!  She was an advocate for her children who were Deaf and an advocate for all individuals who were Deaf.  Joy passed away after almost 90 years of making a difference in our community.  Joy's son Robert is currently working as a Deaf Advocate at Easter Seals.

Joy had big ideas and goals….she wanted everyone to learn American Sign Language as part of their early education program, she wanted to make videos to teach sign language and open doors for employment for the Deaf.  She wanted to train the police how to interact with the Deaf and hospitals and institutions of higher education to how to respond to requests for interpreters and accommodations from the Deaf.

Joy McMahon, throughout her life, worked to turn her ideas and goals into reality.  She served for many years on the board of directors of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) in Volusia and Flagler Counties, provided oversight of the merger between Easter Seals and DHHS in 2005 and served diligently on the Easter Seals DHHS Advisory Ctte for many years at ES. 

Many of Joy’s dreams became a reality!   She helped initiate the Sign Language classes first offered by DHHS and now Easter Seals, videos are now available for sign language instruction, Easter Seals DHHS has a track record of assisting individuals who are Deaf to find employment (and stay employed) and Daytona Beach Police Department committed many hours to training their staff about Deaf culture and best ways to interact with the Deaf.  Because of the ADA and local advocacy, generally local hospitals and institutions of higher learning provide requested accommodations for the Deaf.

Joy was a pioneer advocate, a passionate and supportive board member and inspiring individual who will be missed by the community she served.