Deaf CapitalA Journal by John D. Walker PG Dip Assoc CIPD

The more you read my blog, the more you will discover who I am so I think I will leave the nuances there. Here, let me share with you my stats (not those stats).

I am a Deaf person raised by hearing parents and live with my partner of double-figure years, Marco. We have a lovely home together on the south coast of the UK. The Sussex ambiance makes it a great place for art and cultural expression. Brighton, the nearest city, is also the home of a large Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered community (20% of its population). It is flamboyant, trendy, moody and unique.

I am an ex-hearing aid wearer (except for the odd piece of music I want to hear) and I have found the restricted use of hearing aids improves my mood and give less headaches. I also have clear speech and have no qualms about using it, the problems start when people respond inappropriately.

I am the  Convenor of Deaf Studies at University of Sussex. I must state here that this blog is the views of my own, and not that of the institution I work for. It is an accumulation of my personal experiences within academic life and outside.

I am originally from Hertfordshire and Mum and Dad are both hearing. They raised me the best they could with the resources made available to them. I love them both dearly.

My journey has taken me through different roles in my life: laboratory chemist, development officer, training manager, freelance trainer, academic and interpreter. The qualification I am most proud of is the PG Dip Interpreting in the Deaf Community, which was an all rounder exploring social sciences, linguistics and interpreting. It gave me the foundation, and the permission, to look further afield.

My research interests includes the professionalisation of interpreters including Deaf interpreters, the social and cultural capital of the Deaf community, and Deaf history. My department, the Centre for Community Engagement, allows me to facilitate grounded research using shared ownership and action research methodology.

If you ever want to find me in the place I am happiest – I would be on a pair of skis speeding through the rolling snowscape, trying to avoid the odd tree.

If you have questions or a nice comment to make, please place your response in the blog or send me an email on j.walker@sussex.ac.uk.

Me in my WASLI t-shirt.