Advocate

Credit: Freedigitalphotos.net

Deaf advocacy workers give advice and support to deaf people during times of need. Advocacy workers will put forward suggested courses of action for private and confidential issues. This sort of work may be more easily accessible to hearing people through Citizens Advice Bureaus or similar centres, however deaf advocates for deaf people will be sensitive to how their clients deafness will influence and affect situations.

A legal background (or experience), a high level of English and BSL as well as being a great communicator are all important skills for an advocacy worker to have.

Advocacy workers may support a deaf person with a range of issues from complaining to a utility company, to attending employment meetings to resolve a dispute at work.

Advocates are usually employed by local charities or councils dependant on area. Employment contracts may only be for a limited time as funding for such roles is often required.