Deaf? #ICAN : Lisa Baldock

Lisa is a role model for other deaf people. We asked her how she got to where she is today – read on and pick up some tips.

Q: What do you do? 

I’m an Administrator civil servant for a government agency – I basically gather information and maintain accounts /claims.  I voluntarily work for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People as a trained speaker and help to fundraise whenever I can – my latest event was an abseil out of the Spinnaker Tower Portsmouth – raising a total of £1200 for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

Q: What inspired you to do the job that you’re doing now, and how did you get there?

I gained my employment by accident – when applying for jobs in my local jobcentre I gave some technical advice to a member of staff – a line manager was overseeing her work and suggested the vacancy. I then applied and got it – I always liked helping other people and paperwork so saw this as the opportunity to gain some experience. I did a whole variety of qualifications (GNVQ /A Level) at my local college to keep my options open, such as administration and word processing.

Q: What would you like to see more of in your world?

I have so many more things I’d love to see – I’ve never had the opportunity to travel much due to having a child so young  and financial difficulties so my list would be endless! For now I stick to the UK. The New Forest in Hampshire is my second home and I regularly walk there with Inca (my Hearing Dog) in my spare time. I love being outside and appreciating all the new sounds that I can learn.

Q: What is your favourite experience?

My favourite experience has to be learning to hear again through my cochlear implants and facing my fear of heights by abseiling – I feel like I have achieved far beyond what I  thought I’d achieve. I still hope to be able to push myself to realise my many dreams – one of them to do my Open University course and get my degree (I had to defer due to having my daughter so young).

Q: Can you give us a career tip for other D/deaf, deafened & hard of hearing people

My tip to other deaf people would be to remain positive – it can be quite hard in the big wide world but try not to let being deaf defeat you – remember not everyone understands hearing loss and how it impacts us – so try to be patient, and take the time to explain – after all we are unique and educating them will help others alike

Lisa Facebook

Nothing’s impossible. Lisa can be successful. You can too!

#ICAN on Twitter @121captions

If you’d like to be a role model for younger deaf and hard of hearing people, all you have to do is write up to 500 words on how you got to where you are today. You’re welcome to email us at bookings@www.121captions.com for direction or contact us on Twitter or Facebook.