Hi, I’m Irina. I’m a deaf freelance photographer, an enterprise account specialist with Sorenson Communications and a holistic health coach. As a wife and mother of two, I’m passionate about health, wellness and making life more accessible for the deaf community. I love helping people find balance, share their stories, and remove barriers so everyone can thrive. And I’m sharing the locations that make me feel most at home in Fishers, Indiana. 

 

Four Special Spots That Get It Right

MOTW Coffee and Pastries is one of my favorite coffee shops. I love their Spanish latte—it’s the best I’ve ever had. They’re also incredibly friendly to people like me who are deaf. They always have my order ready for me as soon as I walk in. The staff is always in a good mood and the environment is warm and inviting. It’s also an ideal place to work if you’re a remote worker as they provide enough tables and chairs to hang out. 

MOTW Coffee and Pastries (top) (left)

HC Tavern + Kitchen (left) (right)

HC Tavern + Kitchen is a restaurant that fills my stomach with a delightful aroma. The staff is always ready to communicate with my deaf friends and me, ensuring that we have a seamless dining experience. They never disappoint me with their communication skills, and the orders are always accurate. The quality of the food is simply amazing, and the ambiance is romantic. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a meal with loved ones, HC Tavern + Kitchen is the perfect choice.

Kincaid’s Meat Market is a great place to find high-quality meat. The environment is clean and welcoming, and the staff is always friendly and knowledgeable. They’ll make sure you get exactly what you need to ensure you leave satisfied. As a deaf person, I didn’t need the written paper or using my phone notes to communicate because the staff understood my gestures. This made my shopping experience much quicker and easier. 

Kincaid’s Meat Market (top) (left)

Hamilton East Public Library (left) (right)

Hamilton East Public Library in Fishers is like my second home. I love lending books to read, and their programs are fantastic for my kids. They especially enjoy visiting their crafts space, which provides ample space for their creativity. As their creativity flourishes, it gives me the opportunity to sit down and work remotely. They also have private rooms available for booking, which I appreciate when I need a change of scenery to focus on my projects. The staff is incredibly friendly and accommodating, acknowledging my deafness without any issues. In fact, they’ve even recognized the Deaf community by including me in their newsletter magazine, which was a huge honor. Additionally, they have a Deaf person working there to teach ASL classes, so if you’re interested in learning, I highly recommend checking them out!

Finding Community in Unexpected Places

 

Each of these places holds a special comfort for me—they remind me of community, warmth, and the feeling of belonging. Hamilton County has given me spaces that feel like home, where good food and welcoming faces come together. I’m grateful to have found these little treasures, and I hope you get to enjoy them too.

 

For more information about Hamilton County, visit the accessibility page. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see what's happening in #VisitHC.