Comedienne Kathy Buckley may be hearing impaired but she knows when her audience is laughing. A former massage and exercise therapist, Buckley said she found comedy later in life as a way of giving back and educating audiences. She will perform Wednesday in the Student Lounge at Ulster County Community College.

"I found laughter was the best medicine in healing my patients," Buckley said of her job as a therapist during a telephone interview using an amplifier. "I started comedy when I was 35. I entered a comedy contest to help raise money for kids with cerebral palsy because I love kids. I ended up with a career. The saying is, 'If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.' "

Buckley, a shy and quiet child, was labeled retarded at a young age. From there, she was struck with one horrific blow after another in life.

"Her story is incredible," said Mary Tarcza, an associate professor of communications at SUNY Ulster. "She's very inspirational through her comedy. She's been hit by a car, had cervical cancer and more. ... We're hoping it reaches audiences in a really special way."

Buckley said being hearing impaired has its limitations, just as anything else.

"There are limitations and there always will be because there will always be ignorance," she said. "The Hollywood industry is limiting because they are labeling. They don't see me as a whole person; they see me as a deaf person. You'll have limitations in your life whether you have cellulite or glasses or something else, but that's life."

Buckley said she was influenced by the antics of the late comedian Red Skelton. She said she would watch television with her parents and laugh when they laughed and cry when they cried at programs on television. It wasn't until she saw Skelton perform as the silent clown Freddie the Freeloader, that she understood what comedy was all about.

Buckley said being able to perform for a crowd is a blessing.

"There's something about taking everybody and putting them in a moment with laughing and sharing and learning," she said. "Whatever your problem is in that moment, I like to think I'm gifted enough to help you not feel that for a moment."

Tarcza said Buckley's ability to speak to all kinds of people will be what brings a smile to the faces in the audience.

"She doesn't just do comedy for deaf people," she said. "She's a comedian for all people and just happens to be hearing impaired."

Buckley said honesty will get you everywhere.

"For anyone who wants to be a comedian, always be honest with your audience and truthful about where your material comes from," she said. "The audience knows when you're lying."