Addressing communication issues the first step

Female beneficiary born Deaf influenced to lip read by her mother discouraged British Sign Language, incorrectly assumed BSL would damage her established linguistics impacting negatively on her development. 

The beneficiary struggled through education gaining very few qualifications and discriminated against, impacting her confidence significantly, particularly in terms of achieving/accessing training. 

VR struggles with communication impacting on her Mental health, mainly anxiety and panic attacks. She finds meeting new people a challenge especially people that don’t understand her Deafness. Since becoming a single parent VR is socially isolated and very lonely, she is excluded from social activities outside the house, she believes her Deafness has hindered her joining social groups, activities and sustaining paid employment.
 
VR needed support to access paid employment she felt “uncertain” of which path to take regarding training and employment, she clearly struggled to communicate with others even basic lip reading became stressful.

During the initial meeting VR became very anxious, clearly struggling with the social interaction and environment. Therefore, the EA planned the meetings in the local library, in the quiet area, with no background noise for distraction.
VR was focused on gaining paid employment. We discussed realistic job opportunities that worked around childcare, such as working term time in education. We completed two applications for schools local to VR, term time contracts in cleaning and catering. We located various paid employment opportunities locally, registering with E Teach with support from the EA.
 
On completion of the Digital College course “Food Safety and Hygiene” we updated her CV. Previously VR held an out-of-date Food and Hygiene qualification and was keen to refresh her knowledge in this area.
 
EA recognised that VR was digitally excluded and informed her of the “Samsung Table Loan Scheme” at Aura Library in Flint. We applied and received confirmation of acceptance for the scheme. Improving her interpersonal skills by video calling family members. In addition, providing access to video calling interviews, as her hearing loss prevents her from engaging in telephone interviews.
EA sourced a local cleaning position close to VR’s home. EA contacted the organisation, explaining the applicants’ barriers, the hotel owner was very understanding and invited VR for a work trial to assess her capabilities. VR attended and passed the assessment, however, due to shift patterns for weekend work VR couldn’t accept the job.
 
VR worked alongside her Wellbeing Officer to reduce her anxiety and build her confidence. Registering for The Open University Open Learn platform, to build her confidence with digital learning. She completed “Children’s Rights” beneficial for working within the education domain 
 
We applied for a dual role of Lunchtime Supervisor and Evening Cleaner at a local school.
She was invited for an interview/formal discussion, it was at this point The Employment Advisor met with VR to discuss interview techniques.
  
VR became very nervous worried that she would panic in a group situation not being able to follow the conversation pattern relying on lipreading, however, EA encouraged her to use interactive clues for when conversation changed over form person to person, this worked well VR completed the interview.
 
Shortly afterwards VR received a message asking her if she would be interested in a Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship. VR contacted EA for support with technology to apply for a DBS certificate and upload the required documents. This has a significant impact on the beneficiary, feeling excited about her future and new opportunities. In preparation for the start date The Employment Advisor and Wellbeing officer reassured VR that she will receive in work support and support to submit an Access to Work Application depending on her requirements in the workplace.

I have seen excellent progression in VR since joining programme. Her interpersonal skills have developed significantly, attending the Welsh Language group independently, improving her confidence when speaking in a group setting and engaging with her peers. 
 
She now feels confident in her Digital Skills, following completion of Open Learn and Digital College Qualifications.  
 
Securing paid employment within education, something she felt was unachievable due to the barriers she faced in relation to her disability. 
 
Although she still struggles with anxiety and panic attacks, she maintains episodes much better by taking time out when needed. This has impacted her confidence, which has developed significantly since joining programme. She is now excited about her future and has the confidence to develop her skills further and say yes to opportunities that are presented to her.

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