Stefanie overcomes challenges to complete her studies

@BordersCollege student Stafanie Quinn recently celebrated completing two SCQF level 9 units form the Social Services & Healthcare SVQ Award, enabling her to meet the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) registration requirements.

Stefanie, who has a hearing impairment, overcame a number of challenges during her studies, including the lockdown, but was able to complete her units in good time and was commended by her peers for her efforts.

Having previously met with her Tutor/Assessor Deborah Hogarth face-to-face, she was used to communicating this way. The lockdown put hold to this, posing new challenges for Stefanie in her day-to-day studies.

Deaf Action employee Stafanie was supported throughout her studies in a number of ways, including the use of Zoom, where sessions were held between herself and Deborah, with the use of an interpreter to support the conversation.

With phone calls not an option, WhatsApp was also used to help covey information and enable discussions around Stefanie’s course work.

Deborah commented:

“I think Stefanie and I worked well together and again I gained more understanding of the challenges deaf people have in a hearing world. 

“We built up a good relationship with the staff and management at Deaf Action and have delivered face-to-face training on administering medication and safeguarding to all staff over the past year. I think having a familiar face and being approachable has been a benefit.”

“It is very important when working with deaf students to understand the deaf culture, even if you cannot use the language. 

“Over the past year I have learned a lot and deaf students are very keen to encourage the hearing to understand the challenges they face and to share their experiences with us.”