This summer, AVUK graduate Freya joined AVUK’s Communication and Engagement Team for a week of work experience. Here she shares her experience, memories of Auditory Verbal therapy, and her hopes for the future. 

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My name is Freya and I’m 17 years old. I’m profoundly deaf and use an Auditory Brainstem Implant (ABI) to help me hear. I am currently studying A-levels in Latin, History, Geography and Spanish. I recently finished my Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which explored disparities in the educational attainment of deaf children and the role that accessibility plays.

Recently, I was awarded the honour of being appointed as Head Girl at my mainstream school, where I’m the only deaf girl. Being able to serve in this role is particularly meaningful for me, because it will allow me to be a role model for younger deaf children. Growing up, I never saw deaf students in leadership positions, and I hope to inspire and motivate others to also aim high and not let their deafness stop them.

In addition to my school responsibilities, I was selected from 170 applicants to be one of the thirty Duke of Edinburgh Youth Ambassadors for the 2024-2025 year. This incredible platform will provide me with the opportunity to voice my ideas and hopefully raise awareness about deafness.

It’s widely accepted that the ABI has lower success rates compared to cochlear implants. However, thanks to starting Auditory Verbal therapy (AVT) with AVUK shortly after my implantation, I have been able to make the most of my ABI.

The support I received from AVUK has undeniably been life changing and I would not be where I am today without their vital early intervention. Doctors told my parents that it was likely I would never be able to speak, but by being an AVUK graduate, I have defied their expectations, and now my parents can’t stop me talking! I’m grateful for the life that I have. Learning how to listen and speak with AVUK has opened up many opportunities for me which I will make the most of. I am also deeply thankful to my parents for being my fiercest supporters as without them and their determination, I wouldn’t be in the position I am now.  

Freya and mum at an Auditory Verbal therapy session.

This summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to do work experience at AVUK and my time working with the Communications and Engagement Team has deepened my understanding of AVUK’s massive impact  for deaf children all around the UK. Meeting Anita Grover, the CEO, was particularly inspiring as she is profoundly deaf like me, making her an incredible role model whom I look up to a lot. This demonstrates the importance of representation for deaf children and young people, as her leadership and achievements show what deaf people CAN do anything!

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the different members of the AVUK team, and the biggest lesson that I learned was that everyone has a critical role to play. Everyone has different areas of focus, but they all have the same goal in mind and that is to help all deaf children to have the same opportunities in life as their hearing peers. The working environment is incredible, and it has set a high standard for me when I go into the working world after university!

Looking ahead, I am excited about studying Law at university with the goal of becoming an education solicitor. I am devoted to ensuring equitable access to high-quality education, especially for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). I want to use my experience and knowledge to advocate for and support those who need it.