Aisha Jameel is a recent HNC Social Sciences student at West College Scotland’s Clydebank Campus. Aisha started her blog earlier this year, hoping to raise awareness of the issues faced by those living with ‘D-word’.
“I created this blog to raise awareness of deafness and what it’s like for us. My hearing has had a huge impact throughout my life, but I have learned that I’m not the only one.
“I’m always in situations where I have to explain myself to others - what it’s like for me, what I do hear and how it affects me. So I started the blog, as a simpler way for non-deaf people to understand what it is like for us.”
Aisha’s blog makes for a fascinating insight into life as a deaf person, not shying away from the difficulties she’s faced, while also appreciating the positives it has brought.
“The reason I’m writing this because being ‘D-word’ is okay. It’s not always negative but positive too…If you hear new a sound every now and then that can be a good thing...Hearing new sounds is actually awesome because it makes you grateful. Grateful that you could hear…You would think wow. What a lovely sound? What a horrible sound? What a strange sound? People who are not like us take their hearing for granted…I take these sounds to my heart and I am impressed by it. I cannot wait to hear a new sound in my life and to cherish it…Deafness can bring you down, I won’t argue with that. It can give you tears, anger, upset and frustration…Just don’t forget what else deafness can do for you. Amazed, grateful, impressed and shocked by all the sounds going on around you. I was born deaf, but I am also proud to be deaf.”
- ‘The D-Word’ - 10th February 2016 (http://aisha-jam.wix.com/mysite#!D-Word/myno9/5713d8f90cf2dd6f7fc3f927)
Aisha now hopes that her blog can help those on both sides of dealing with deafness.
“When other deaf people read my articles I hope they can show it to others who don’t understand about deafness. If those who can hear want to learn or try and understand deafness this would help them too. It’s hard for us to explain in person, but blogging allows me to express my emotions in a way that I find comfortable, and I hope it brings benefits to others.”
Aisha’s blog details daily life for those with deafness, however the support she receives at the College has made things a lot easier.
“My lecturers at the College have been a great help – they’re understanding and patient with my deafness and helped me to cope in class. My lecturers have been patient with me and provided me with notes when the class was watching a video. Unfortunately, not every deaf individual is lucky to have understanding teachers and lecturers, so I hope that my articles help provide these people with a greater insight into deafness and what they can do to make life easier for us.”
Aisha has had additional help from the College Extended Learning Support team, and is grateful for the work they’ve put in to help her succeed.
“Shona McNicol in the Learning Support team was a huge help to me. She went out of her way to make sure I had all the equipment I needed to access the college course, and she was more than happy to help with any problems I had. Shona and the lecturers made me feel very welcome at West Scotland College – it’s really helped my confidence.”
Shona has been delighted to work with Aisha over the last year.
“Aisha has been a wonderful student to work with and very inspirational. I first met Aisha in September when I completed her Needs Assessment to determine the appropriate assistive software and technology needed to ensure continued independent learning. After a few ‘tweaks’ she adapted well to the equipment and grew in confidence and self-esteem, which was really rewarding for us to see.
“I have had the pleasure of reading her blog, which is a wonderful insight into the life of someone with the ‘D word.’ Aisha has a bright future ahead of her and I look forward to following her progress.”
Pauline Nelson is Curriculum Quality Leader for Social Sciences at Clydebank Campus, and is very proud of Aisha’s achievements, particularly as she looks to further study at University.
“Aisha has been an incredibly strong student all year. She worked hard, answered questions and fully participated in every aspect of the class. We are very proud of her accomplishments this year. I know she will do well at university and we wish her the best of luck for the future.”
Aisha is set to have a fantastic future, and you can follow her journey online here.