Hannah Norfor
Line Manager
British Sign Language Communication Support
Assistant & Deafblind Communicator Guide
Background Information
I come from a hearing family and I am the only one who is Deaf.
I was born hearing but at 8 weeks old I had meningitis that caused my Deafness. However, due to my speech developing progressively well when I was younger and with the aid of a hearing aid, I didn’t feel it necessary to learn Sign Language. I am able to lip-read very well.
How did you come to choose to work alongside the Deaf/Deafblind? :
Since I was a young age, I used to attend Summer camps with the NDCS in Mary Hare School (Newbury). I didn't know Sign Language growing up, but seeing my friends use BSL, I will really interested in it and decided to take the intro course in BSL, then Level 1 and Level 2 etc. when I got older.
Hobbies and Interests
My hobbies and interests include progressing in by BSL Levels and studying BSL. I also like meeting up with my friends and family and socializing. In my spare time, I like to draw, go shopping and relaxing.
What relevant qualifications do you possess?:
I have a range of qualifications that I have achieved over the years; however below is a list of my main qualifications that relate to my work.
August 2012 – Level 1 in ‘Sport Leadership’ Qualification
August 2013 – Level 1 in ‘Arts Award’ – Bronze
June 2014 – Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Diploma for The Children and Young People’s Workforce (Early Learning and Childcare) (QCF) – BCA College
June 2014 – Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Children’s Play, Learning and Development with the Triple Grade Distinction* (A*), Distinction (A), Distinction (A) – BCA College
January 2015 – ABC Award Introduction to British Sign Language
October 2015 – Signature Level 1 Award in British Sign Language
July 2016 – Signature Level 2 Certificate in British Sign Language
September 2021 - Signature Level 3 in British Sign Language
January 2022 - Signature Level 2 Communication and Guiding with Deafblind people
Preferred method(s) of communication
I can use BSL/SSE, talking and I rely mainly on lip-reading.
Training
I have a range of training's in this job as well as others such as autism, epilepsy, first aid etc.
What's your favourite colour?:
My favourite colour is blue.
Tell me an interesting story:
Growing up, I attended Deaf Social Clubs, Groups, events and outings. Many of my friends are Deaf and they use British Sign Language to communicate which originally aroused my interest in Signing so that I could communicate with my Deaf friends and the wider Deaf community as a whole.
In my late teens, I decided to take a British Sign Language Qualification at both Langley and Windsor College. I began my ABC Intro Course and progressed further until I completed my Signature Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 Certification in British Sign Language.
I feel that it is a great skill to learn and I encourage people to learn it as you never know when you will need to use it.
My favourite thing is:
Helping and seeing people progress, especially the Service Users.
I don't like:
Not being able to achieve things I put my mind to.
What frightens you? :
I am fearless, bring it on!
Do you like Marmite?:
No, I do not like Marmite.
Do you keep ketchup in the fridge or cupboard?:
I keep ketchup in the cupboard at all times. Who likes cold ketchup with their food?