British Sign Language Communication Support
Assistant

Background Information

I live with my three children and I have been Deaf since age 11 by contracting Meningitis. I went to St Thomas' School for the Deaf, Basingstoke. I relied on wearing hearing aids to hear people and at the age of 30, I received Cochlear Implants. Wearing a Cochlear Implant has enhanced my hearing levels and enabled me to hear noises I didn't hear before such as the clock ticking, birds singing and my alarm ringing.

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How did you come to choose to work alongside the Deaf /Deafblind?

I chose to work alongside Deaf/Deafblind people because I went to a Deaf school and have made many Deaf friends throughout the years so I know how hard it can be to communicate. I would love to be in a position to help make life easier for Deaf/Deafblind people. I hope to develop my signing to enable me to assist Deaf/Deafblind people more within my role.

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Hobbies and Interests

I have 3 dogs, 1 husky and 2 pugs and love being outdoors in the woods taking them for walks. I also enjoy meeting up with friends for a coffee/lunch . I love reading and learning about Holistic Therapies.

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What relevant qualifications do you possess?

I have Level 1 in BSL and Level 2 NVQ in Care Certificates.

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Preferred method(s) of communication

I can use BSL or SSE, talking and lip-reading.

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Training

I am currently on numerous training courses online via Care Skills Academy. I am also a trained Care Assistant and worked with children and adults with learning difficulties.

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What’s your favourite colour?
I love all colours but if I had to pick, orange and yellow are my favourite colours.

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Tell me an interesting story:

We had a lovely round aquarium in the lounge and had 3 lovely fishes (two gold fish and one large fish with long fins and a magnificent tale). My son was 4 years old at the time and I came into the lounge when he was standing over the fish tank with our pet dog next to him. I didn't think anything of it at the time, but 2 days later, I couldn't see one of the fishes anymore in the aquarium. 

I asked my son if he had seen the fish, but he said he didn't know. My son was always mischievous so I could only think that he has tried to hold the fish and dropped it and the dog ate it, but I have no proof still to this day.

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My favourite thing is:

My favourite thing is walking through the woods connecting with nature.​

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I don't like: 

Being stuck in traffic.​

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What frightens you?

I am frightened by spiders - mainly the larger ones.​

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Do you like Marmite?

Yes, I love marmite.​

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Do you keep ketchup in the fridge or cupboard?

I keep the ketchup in the cupboard.​