Read Sarah's story

"After being born prematurely, I was diagnosed as profoundly deaf at a very early age and was fitted with my first pair of hearing aids when I was about 9 months old.

"Living in Portsmouth, I was very fortunate to be able to attend The Elizabeth Foundation, where I started when I was one year old. Because of their support and training I was able to attend mainstream school where I had the help of a hearing support unit.

"On leaving school, I went to college where I studied for a qualification in childcare and then worked in various pre-school nurseries with young children. This included six months in Australia which was a great experience and I would like to return there one day.

"Two years ago I applied for a position at Queen Alexandra Hospital as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in the orthopaedics department. I help to support and rehabilitate patients using specialist equipment so that they can return home after they have had a fall. I find the work challenging at times but very rewarding and often follow up their progress with a home visit.

"As part of my ongoing training at the hospital I am due to start on a foundation degree course next year. I will be studying Health and Social Care at Southampton Solent University and am very excited about this.

"I am very grateful I was able to attend The Elizabeth Foundation as they gave me the support that I needed to become independent and to be able to socialise. My biggest inspiration was my mum, Jane McIntyre. She was always there to support me and encouraged me to speak to communicate."

Sarah

Sarah's story

"I am very grateful I was able to attend The Elizabeth Foundation as they gave me the support that I needed to become independent and to be able to socialise."

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