“I was eight years old and was at primary school when I became deaf. I do have some hearing but only when people are stood in front of me. I used to be interested in nursing but that was difficult with my disability.”

“This is my daughter, she is now two years old. Sometimes people don’t believe I am hearing impaired. They do not see a disability. Also because I can lip read and sign people sometimes discriminate and make judgements on me. For example if they see me lip reading they think I cannot be deaf. Sometimes I have struggled to get public transport as people have not believed in my disability. Now they have made a special place for us to stand.”

“I live here with my grandmother and daughter. Starting my course at the Dorothy Springer Trust has really helped me. For the first time I have learnt about things like computer systems, microsoft packages, leadership and team work. I have even written a business plan. I come home and tell people what I have learnt!”

“This is me signing. I am glad to have learnt the things I have with DST. In the future I want to share my ICT skills with others with disability, I could also sign to be able to teach others with hearing impairment. I want to thank people who have supported DST and us students. They are wonderful to encourage women in their hopes for a future – especially disabled women.”