A deaf student and her college tutor have forged a close relationship that both say has changed their lives, how they communicate and work. Kristi Jones has learned
British Sign Language to communicate with deaf mother Hannah Carey who has returned to college as a mature student. Coleg Gwent tutor Kristi now wants to be more involved with teaching deaf and hearing impaired students. Hannah said it’s the first time she’s enjoyed college. Hannah ,32, from Brynmawr , was born deaf and uses BSL to communicate with her
Friends, family, and her son Noah who will turn 10 in June. Hannah said she has never stuck it out at college until now. Read more:
Love Island star's passionate post about her struggles with deafness as she worries about being 'judged' Kristi Jones (right) with her student Hannah Carey (Image: Coleg Gwent) “In my life I have been to many colleges and never felt comfortable as I do here, I have always finished early because teachers never understood the deaf way. “But with Kristi, she changed my life massively, she understands and communicates with me and it makes me want to carry on and go further in my career.” When Hannah enrolled onto Kristi’s beauty therapy class at Coleg Gwent the tutor began learning words and phrases from Hannah and the communicator who helps her in class. As Kristi’s skills developed she said she could see the impact it was having on her learning and enjoyment. Kristi is now learning BSL and says it helps that they are not too far apart in age. Infact at 28 Kristi is four years younger than her student. “Learning skills to communicate has made our relationship very close. We chat about things like life at home and the weekends. “I think I’m able to make Hannah more included in the class. Having Hannah in the class has changed how the whole class communicates, it’s lovely.” Kristi Jones, 28, from Ebbw Vale, is a Colege Gwent tutor specialising in Beauty Therapy Hannah said she’s become more engaged, more comfortable asking questions and more included in classroom discussions because Kristi is learning her language. Seeing the change in her student because she was learning a few phrases Kristi decided to go further in learning BSL and hopes it may encourage more deaf students to join the class in future. Other students in the class were so inspired by Kristi’s dedication to learning sign language that they have also learned some basic signs to communicate with Hannah. They have also started to think how they will communicate with deaf customers when they go to work in the beauty industry and have become more aware generally about life for hearing impaired people, said Kristi. “Since I’ve started learning to sign, I’m definitely more open-minded. I’ve even started teaching my kids the language now and they love it,” said Kristi. “I think that everyone should have a basic understanding of BSL, and then work to build upon that. I’m now in the process of transitioning Hannah to help her get the support she needs once she progresses onto our theatrical special effects, hair, and media make-up Level 3 course and I can’t wait to see what she will achieve.” Hannah recently had a cochlear fitted, but that doesn't enable her to hear more than general sound and she relies on using BSL: “I was born deaf, so it’s all I’ve known. I was bought up the deaf way with hearing aids and learning BSL. I’ve recently had a cochlear implant fitted, which is helping with general sounds. “I thought that returning to college as a mature learner would be challenging, but I’ve been really supported. Now that Kristi has also learned sign language, I can understand the course content much more clearly, and I’m able to get involved with group work, which has been great for my progress. “ I’m hoping to progress to the Level 3 theatrical special effects, hair, and media make up at Coleg Gwent’s Crosskeys campus, and in the future, I’d like to teach make-up. “If there are any other deaf people who may be struggling, or wondering if college is right for them, I’d encourage them to go for it.” Hannah, who went to Hollybush and Llantarnam school in Cwmbran, said lack of knowledge about being hearing impaired meant even her own mother hadn’t realised she had been born deaf. Instead she thought Hannah had lost her hearing as a result of having meningitis aged two. “Mum thought it was meningitis that I had when was young that caused it. But when I went for the assessment, they said I was literally born deaf. “My nan recognised I was deaf from a young. It was difficult in mainstream school .” Hannah also signs with her son and says she is proud of how he helps: "He knows how to communicate with me and picks it up really quickly. It’s funny when people are talking he will tap me and explain what people are saying in a different way, he is really clever." Coleg Gwent currently has 63 deaf or hearing-impaired learners. It supports deaf learners with a dedicated team of additional learning professionals who provide individualised support services to students and staff who are deaf or hard of hearing. Services include support assistants, communication support workers and deaf awareness training for staff members. The college has also tried to raise awareness about deaf culture and language which is led by members of the college’s Deaf Club. To get our free daily briefing on the biggest issues affecting the nation, Wales Matters, click here Read next: Student with rare deafblindness finds love after being inspired by Love Island's Tasha Ghouri Wales' deaf rugby teams crowned double world champion The truly terrible conditions Wales Deaf rugby players faced upon arrival at
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