DEAF CULTURE TODAY
Ewok joins the FaZe Clan.
AN INTERVIEW WITH SOLEIL “EWOK” WHEELER Tell us about yourself!
I am 14 years old, in the 8th grade, and attend the Indiana School for the Deaf. I love playing Fortnite, and I represent the FaZe Clan. Other than Fortnite, what else do you do for fun?
Some games aren’t that deaf-friendly, which is why I mainly play Fortnite. Fortnite has sound visualization that really helps me to be situationally aware, allowing me to become a better player.
I love drawing, playing sports like volleyball and basketball, and watching football.
What do you want to see happen in the gaming industry?
What platform do you use when playing Fortnite?
More deaf-friendly games and features.
I use a PC with a keyboard and mouse. What made you start playing Fortnite?
I thought it was cool; my brother played on XBOX, so I joined him. It took me to another dimension! What was your reaction when you found you that you were selected to play with Kurt Benkert?
I was so HONORED. Not in a million years would I have thought I’d play with an NFL player! We still keep in touch! Was the tournament as you expected?
It went well! Everything can’t be perfect. I knew I just needed to be prepared and ready to overcome challenges to get the results I wanted. 12
Tell us what you think about the gaming industry, is it deaf-friendly?
We are grateful that you made a donation to the NAD Youth Programs! Why did you choose the NAD Youth Programs?
I did that to support the Deaf community. I want to see more successful deaf kids and adults represented. It is important that we support each other. I am proud of my identity as a Deaf person.
Soleil “Ewok” Wheeler hails from Indiana and represents the FaZe Clan.
