Mentoring deaf people is part of Carron PA Support’s services.
Recently a new client has taken on our services after growing up in a deaf boarding school all her life and now as a young adult has had to adapt to adulthood in the wider community.
Deaf Boarding Schools can mean immersive deaf culture. Deaf boarding schools provide an environment rich in Deaf culture, where students can communicate freely using sign language, have a tailored Education equipped with specialised staff and resources to meet the educational needs of deaf students. Students form strong bonds with peers who have similar experiences, fostering a sense of community and belonging and social integration. The entire school environment, from classrooms to extracurricular activities, is designed to be fully accessible for deaf students.
The downside to this is isolation. ‘We’ live in a predominantly hearing world so access to the hearing community, family and friends has daily communication barriers. Students all too often have limited interaction with the hearing world, which can create challenges as an adult when transitioning to a mainstream environment. Friends and social networks formed at boarding school may be spread across the country, making it difficult to maintain relationships after school life has finished.
Transition Challenges; moving from a supportive, culturally affirming environment to a predominantly hearing society can be a significant shock and lead to feelings of isolation and difficulty in accessing communication especially when family members do not use sign language.
Navigating the transition from a deaf boarding school to mainstream life requires a multifaceted approach that addresses social, educational, and emotional needs. With the right support, individuals can thrive and find a balance between their Deaf identity and integration into the hearing world.
Our Strategies for Supporting Young Deaf Adults
Building a New Social Network
Our team have various roles.
Carron has been mentoring the client. This includes accessing DWP, how to find a job, translating letters, training the person in essential life skills, such as managing finances, cooking, and using public transportation, career support – assisting with job search strategies, creating a CV and interview preparation and techniques, educating potential employers about the benefits of a diverse workforce. There is still a long way to go.
Alongside Carron’s work, Ewa has been working on social skills and activities with our client and introducing her to local areas in Milton Keynes, how to find and access local deaf community groups, visit local attractions and activities. This support will enable her to have the independence to connect with others of her own age who share similar experiences and communication preferences.
We live in a digital world, by showing the client how to find and access safe online forums and social media groups dedicated to Deaf culture and issues, can provide a sense of community and support, ultimately supporting the client to be independent.
Cultural Integration
We encourage our clients to explore ways to balance their Deaf identity with participation in the hearing world. This might include attending both Deaf and hearing events and creating a lifestyle that embraces both aspects of their identity.
Long-Term Goals
Community Involvement
Our plan is to encourage client in active participation in both Deaf and hearing community events to build a diverse network of support and friendships.
By addressing these areas, the client can develop their skills, confidence, and support network needed to thrive in both Deaf and hearing environments. This holistic approach ensures a smoother transition from the familiar setting of a deaf boarding school to the broader and more varied experiences of adulthood in the wider community. Hopefully in the future, our support service can be reduced or stopped once the client has gained self- confidence and full independence after the mentoring programme.
If you, or know someone who wish to book my services, please take a look at my website www.carronpasupport.co.uk or contact me via email: carron@pasupport.co.uk
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