Marilyn Rappaport
Marilyn Electronics
6 Feener Circle
Randolph, MA 02368
800-622-9558 Voice
781-961-6962 FAX
E-mail: [email protected]
www.MarilynElectronics.com
Marilyn Rappaport
Activist and Business Owner
Marilyn Rapapport, who is severely hard of hearing, has been an activist for the right of deaf and hard of hearing people since 1979. She explains that she started a local SHHH (self help for hard of hearing people) group in 1985. “I was president of my group for 4 years. That allowed me to meet a diverse group of hard of hearing people and people involved in the Hard of Hearing and Deaf Community.”I was appointed and sworn in to the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. I was a member for four years during which time we worked on state wide issues for Hard of Hearing and Deaf people.
“I do use interpreters when I am talking to Deaf people and I use assistive listening devices when I am talking to the hearing and hard of hearing people. I do use CART and FM systems at meetings. My family consists of several hard of hearing people, but no deaf family members.”
From Activism To Starting Business
“Marilyn Electronics was formed in January 1987. I saw a tremendous need for assistive listening and signaling devices for the deaf and hard of hearing that would provide them with access to independence. My husband, Sheldon and I funded the business together. Our future goals are to help learning about the new assistive equipment and to bring them to the attention of all of our customers. We are constantly adding new products for the deaf and hard of hearing and have also added products for those with speech, vision or motion limitations.”
Judaism Background
When asked about her Jewish upbringing, Marilyn explains that she was born in Boston and attended Boston schools including graduating from Boston State Teachers College. “I grew up in a conservative Jewish home which was kept kosher and one in which all the Jewish holidays were celebrated with my four Jewish European grandparents and the rest of my family. I belonged to U.S.Y (United Synagogue Youth) in high school and Hillel in college. I am also a current member of my local Jewish Community Center. There are many members of my extended family and close friends who have benefited from the products carried by Marilyn Electronics. I am married for over 40 years. I taught elementary school for many years and also worked as a substitute teacher and tutor to young children.
