Since leaving school my first ever job was as a Housing Support Worker for a deaf residential home for tenants with learning difficulties and mental health. The field was alien to me as I was just a school leaver with qualifications in Business Studies! That was a big challenge! The experience provided me with knowledge in Deaf issues especially in mental health. After a couple of years later, I had no real prospects in staying in the same role if I were to achieve higher goals in the Deaf-related field.
With sheer determination, I left for University to study “Health Science” and best of all(!) “Deaf studies”. Life at university in Wolverhampton prepared me well, to broaden the wider understanding of Deaf issues i.e. politics, culture and education.
After achieving a successful 2.1 in BSc (Hons) degree, I took the opportunity and succeeding a newly created job as Deaf Specialist where I provided support to over 25 Deaf people, with mental health, living in their own places, encouraging them to be independent. The role has had helped me to create new networks with deaf/hearing professionals within health and deaf field. And it increased my pool of knowledge in deaf issues, by attending conferences, workshops, meetings and reviews by representing my work.
I gained a place on Executive Officer Management Scheme, run by the Ministry of Defence. My first role, as Conduct Officer, this assisted me to learn how to deal confidential issues with colleagues and stakeholders. Whilst on the job, many people were inspired by my positive attitude and outlook on life, it prompted 12 colleagues to learn BSL Level 1. That was a pivotal moment where I realised that I could give encouragement and positive offbeat to the public!
For the last 18 months, I have a multiple role as “Service Manager” for CommunicationID; successfully managing all the invoicing, financial reporting, debtors and service contracts. Other role is as “Trainer”; devising, marketing and delivering training on various company related specialisms and finally evolving into “Project Director” for CommunityID. You can click on the Community Deaf and Interpreting Awareness Development Project for more details!
