Determined Deaf Man Finds His Niche
By Alex Davis, News Assistant

Heath Austin believes he's found his niche, selling healthier beef jerky from a home-based business.

Heath Austin of Emporium won't let a minor inconvenience like deafness stand in his way as he launches a one-man vending business.

Austin, a 1996 graduate of Learning Schools for the Deaf in Framingham, uses sign language and the written word to sell his product: organic beef jerky.

"I want to be self-sufficient and have a job year-round," Austin told the Endeavor.

Born deaf as a result of cytomegalovirus, Austin encountered obstacles as he tried to find work in a world that too often discriminates against the hearing-impaired.

He turned to the Internet as he examined options for a home-based business. That journey brought him to the Idaho-based Jerky Direct.

Austin checked out the company, sampled its product, and was impressed with what he found. Unlike many meatbased snack foods, the Jerky Direct products are relatively healthy, whether eaten directly from the bag or sprinkled on salads and other foods.

Austin offers the product in two flavors, peppered and teriyaki.

Anyone who wants to learn more about Austin's products can check out a website (http:// Heathbeefjerky.jerkydirect.com), contact him by phone at 486- 0362, or by email at heath_1976_us@yahoo.com