BID Services with Deaf People, a local charity based in Ladywood, have been working with the Nature Centre in Cannon Hill Park to provide a work experience placement to a profoundly Deaf student.

 

The student, Monique Adams, has enjoyed her work placement after being out of education for 12 years following a series of negative experiences in mainstream education.

 

 

Before joining BID’s Employment training scheme – ASDAN Life Skills course - Monique had low self esteem and confidence with no career aspirations but after working with BID she is now confident enough to work at the Nature Centre one day a week for four weeks. ASDAN is part of BID’s Employment Team training for Deaf people with additional needs to gain confidence in their skills and enable them to live independently as well train to gain employment.

 

Monique has always expressed and interest in working at the Nature Centre and has been positive in moving on to new challenges in her life. The Nature Centre have been very generous with their time and support and have showed an excellent attitude towards supporting Monique who adapted to life at the Nature Centre by communicating with staff using a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter.

 

BID’s Employment Team have worked hard to make sure Monique has had the support she needs and have been working alongside other departments within BID such as Supporting People and Care Management.

 

“Monique is currently living in supported living accommodation which enables her to live independently with support available when needed. Since being involved with BID Monique has enhanced her life skills and taken part in Tai Chi, Yoga Sessions, and cooking lessons at the newly developed Deaf Cultural Centre.” said Michelle Williams of BID’s Employment Team.

 

I was lucky enough to interview Monique during her work placement at the Nature Centre and she was happy and smiling while checking and cleaning one of the animal huts.

 

 

Monique preparing food 

 

Monique said "I enjoyed working with animals and one day I want to become a vet working with dogs and cats". The Nature Centre has been happy to take Monique on and the staff have even learnt some basic British Sign Language such as signing Thank you and goodbye. Monique has fitted in to the Nature Centre well and when interviewed, she said she was committed to completing the work experience programme she has enjoyed so much.

 

If you want to have more information on BID's Employment Team please click on this weblink: Employment