The careers advisor at school told me computer related studies would be best because, as a deaf person, it would be easier.  Computing wouldn’t require me to interact with others or cause me to face the same barriers as a humanitarian course.  All I heard was “you can’t”.

I was already breaking the mould by trying to study at a higher level as a deaf person. Having faced barriers in finding adequate and regular communication support at college; disparaging and demeaning comments by tutors and fellow students; having been reminded daily of what I could not do – all this made sense.

Winning support from Snowdon Trust was the first time that someone other than a family member had said “we believe you can do this” and not just that, but “we are here to support you”.

My Snowdon grant allowed me to access qualified, highly skilled and regular sign language interpreter support. Its value can’t be understated. I didn’t have to worry if I’d be able to lip read the tutor, join in with activities or contribute to discussions. I also had note taker support, allowing me to focus on learning and absorbing instead of catching words here and there as I looked from interpreter to paper and back again.

Snowdon Trust’s rare voice of support and encouragement inspired me to pay what I was given forward. Although I completed my studies in computing, I came to realise that people are complicated and communication is complex. Deaf people need to be guided, supported and empowered to take full advantage of every opportunity – educational, social and economic. The trust that was given to me to go forward and achieve has been a foundation of my work since university.

Alongside my professional work as a disability advocate, in 2010 I established Deaf Unity, a charity whose core values are based around nurturing deaf individuals and communities, ensuring opportunities are available and providing meaningful training to take full advantage of those opportunities. We have worked with young people, students and graduates – hosting the first national Deaf Learner’s Conference and the first national Deaf Careers Fair.

The sense of empowerment that started with the support I received has grown to the point where I am confident in the contribution I can make. I have served as an advisor to the Football Association, the Metropolitan Police Force, a number of universities and also government bodies here in the UK and overseas. I provide advice and training on accessibility, equality, disability and deaf awareness.

In my experience, Snowdon Trust’s work extends far beyond the financial figures and awards. It says to a young person – not to his ear, but to his heart – “you are worth it”.