Background and Professional Journey

Lisa is the Manager of the Sensory and Physical Disability team in her Local Authority of Solihull, West Midlands. Lisa’s career in education spans over two decades, marked by a deep commitment to inclusive learning. She shares:

“My professional career has been varied and enriching, spanning both mainstream and special school settings. From the moment I qualified as a teacher, I have had the privilege of working in diverse educational environments, including secondments as acting headteacher. During this time, I also qualified as a teacher of the deaf and enjoyed a rewarding career as a specialist teacher in a special school, working with students with profound and multiple learning disabilities.”

Lisa’s transition into her current role was driven by both professional opportunity and personal circumstances:

“I was thrilled when the opportunity arose to undertake a secondment with a neighbouring local authority. Initially, this was meant to be a temporary assignment, but as staff left and my personal circumstances evolved, requiring full-time work, I decided to apply for a permanent position. This decision led me to my current role as the Manager of the Sensory and Physical Disability team within the statutory offer of the Local Authority. The chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with sensory and physical disabilities has been incredibly inspiring and fulfilling.”

She has now been in this role for five years, with over 20 years in the education sector.

 

Engagement with AVUK Training

Lisa first encountered Auditory Verbal UK (AVUK) during her journey to becoming a Qualified Teacher of the Deaf (QTOD), but her interest was reignited after hearing a speaker at a symposium:

“Previously I had heard about AVUK in my journey through becoming a QTOD, but then got inspired when hearing Noel Kenely [Senior Auditory Verbal Therapist at AVUK] speak at a recent Cochlear Implant symposium.”

Motivated by a desire to stay current and impactful, Lisa enrolled in the Foundation Course in Auditory Verbal (AV) Therapy:

“I believe in the importance of staying current with interventions and therapies that can significantly impact the lives of children who are deaf and have hearing loss. Life presents enough challenges, and breaking down communication barriers is crucial. Effective communication is paramount for these children to thrive.”

“I also think it's never too late to embrace new learning opportunities and refresh one's skills. By engaging in AVUK’s training, I can introduce innovative initiatives and programs to the Local Offer, enhancing the support available to parents and improving outcomes for children and young people.”

 

Training Experience and Impact

Lisa found the AVUK training to be highly supportive and enriching:

“AVUK was incredibly approachable regarding the training opportunity, always ensuring there was someone available to assist with any technical issues. This support was greatly appreciated, especially since training for an entire course online was a new experience for me.”

“The training sessions brought together professionals from various backgrounds, allowing us to share our experiences and learning journeys in mixed study groups. The resources and content provided were comprehensive and accessible throughout each section of the training modules.”

“Initially, filming sessions with families was a bit challenging, as we all felt quite self-conscious and wanted everything to go perfectly. However, this feeling was quickly overcome, and the experience became much more comfortable and rewarding.”

The most empowering part of the training for Lisa was balancing her personal and professional life:

“The best part of the training has been realising that I can successfully balance my responsibilities as a single parent while enhancing my professional development. This achievement has been incredibly empowering and fulfilling.”

She also witnessed transformative outcomes in children:

“Additionally, witnessing the remarkable progress of a non-verbal child has been profoundly rewarding.  The child's spoken words accelerated by using Auditory Verbal therapy techniques, leading the parents to consider the journey of a cochlear implant due to her Auditory Neuropathy Sensory Disorder.”

 

Reflections and Future Goals

Lisa was surprised by the speed of progress AV therapy can bring:

“One of the most surprising aspects of AV therapy has been the rapid progress that children can make in their communication skills. Witnessing non-verbal children begin to speak and interact more confidently has been truly rewarding.”

She finds the therapy deeply inspiring:

“The most inspiring part of AV therapy is seeing the transformative impact it has on the lives of deaf children. The therapy not only enhances their ability to communicate but also boosts their self-esteem and social interactions. Observing the dedication of families and professionals working together to achieve these remarkable outcomes has been incredibly motivating.”

Lisa’s ambitions are rooted in advocacy and continuous improvement:

“My primary goal is to leverage AV therapy to make a significant impact on the lives of deaf and hard-of-hearing children. I aim to try and enhance their communication skills, enabling them to achieve their full potential in both educational and social settings.”

“I am committed to continuous professional development, staying updated with the latest AV therapy techniques and research to ensure the highest quality of care. Additionally, I aspire to advocate for greater awareness and understanding of AV therapy within the broader community, promoting its benefits and encouraging its adoption in various educational and therapeutic settings.”

“Ultimately, my ambition is to create a supportive and inclusive environment where every child can thrive.”

 

Application in Practice and Advice to Others

After completing the foundation training, Lisa is eager to apply her learning:

“With my new learning, I am excited to incorporate the skills and sessional work involved in AV therapy into my practice. I plan to integrate these techniques into the support and services I provide to my caseload, enhancing the overall offer and ensuring that the children I work with benefit from  AV therapy methods.”

Her message to others considering AVUK training is enthusiastic:

“Absolutely go for it! The course offers a fantastic opportunity to refresh your existing skills and acquire new ones. The knowledge you gain will significantly enhance your professional practice and positively impact the children you work with. It's a transformative experience that will equip you with the tools to make a real difference.”

Find out more about AVUK’s training course.