This week, Signature spoke with Amy Saunders, a Social Media Manager and Content Creator. Amy has built her own business, where she helps local businesses build their brand through creative social media campaigns. Amy, who has been profoundly deaf since birth, and a Cochlear Implant User for 25 years, uses her platform to promote deaf awareness and inclusion. Make sure to carry on reading as Amy shares more about her career journey and her advice for communicating with deaf individuals.
1.Hi Amy, please could you introduce yourself to Signature engagers.
Hello Signature readers! I am Amy Saunders, I’m 27 and from Hertfordshire. I love cats, shopping, all things pink, and I am profoundly deaf in both ears since birth, and I wear a Cochlear Implant in my left ear- I have had this for 25 years now.
2. Can you tell us a bit more about your career and your love for social media.
I am a Social Media Manager, Content Creator, and Digital Marketer! I have built up my own business working with local, independent businesses on all things social media marketing. I love the freedom that comes with working for myself, especially as a deaf person as it’s so much more flexible if I need to take time off for Audiology appointments or if I get a migraine from my implant.
Social media is so important for businesses to maintain visibility and to expand their audiences. I love working with my clients as I get to learn more about their industry, and create fun and engaging content to raise awareness about their brands.
3. You often share Deaf awareness tips online; can you tell us a bit more about your experience with hearing loss.
I went to a mainstream school and luckily, my peers were understanding and accommodating when it came to my access requirements. However, I was the only profoundly deaf student throughout my time in education; I had never met anyone with a Cochlear Implant which I found isolating and hard as I didn’t have anyone to relate to.
I find that most people are curious and just want to learn more so that they can be supportive.
4. What 3 tips are most important when communication with someone who is deaf or have some form of hearing loss?
My top three tips are:
- No two deaf or hard of hearing people have the same requirements so take your time when communicating. (If you really aren’t sure how to, ask them politely)
- Make sure you face me when talking to me and don’t cover your mouth either!
- Never say ‘It doesn’t matter’ when I have not heard or understood what you have said. I find it incredibly frustrating and isolating when people say this. It makes me feel as if I am not important enough to be included in your conversation, like everyone else. If it matters to say it once, surely saying it once more won’t hurt!
5. How important is it for businesses to implement deaf awareness training into their organisation.
This is incredibly important. I have worked with other businesses in the past who weren’t very deaf aware, and it meant that I had to advocate for myself and raise awareness, all whilst trying to do my job!
You never know who is going to walk through the door, so how about being prepared?
6. If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
I would tell myself that it is all going to work out, and that I will find a job that suits my requirements of my deafness. People are (mostly) kind and they just want to help. Ignore any nasty comments to you about your Cochlear Implant, they don’t understand what they are saying- perhaps raise some awareness instead.
7. Finally, do you have any exciting projects coming up or general aspiration going forward?
I really want to grow my business and see where it can take me! I am hoping to take on some more creative, arty projects to get back to my art roots.
I would also like to learn BSL as I feel that as much as I’m involved in the ‘hearing world’ as I have my implant and can lipread very well, I am still very much left out in the ‘deaf world’ as I am unable to sign in order to communicate.
Now that I have told you this, you can hold me accountable!
Here at Signature, we would like to thank Amy for sharing her experiences with us. Amy’s story highlights the importance of representation and accessibility in today’s workplaces. Looking ahead, Amy aims to expand her businesses, explore creative projects and learn BSL to connect more deeply with the Deaf community. Here at Signature, we wish her all the best in future endeavours!