1. What inspired you to becoming a BSL interpreter, and how did that journey lead you to your role of Head of Deaf services at Silent Sounds?
My brother is profoundly Deaf, and from a young age I realised there simply weren’t enough interpreters to meet demand. At just five years old I decided I wanted to become an interpreter and make a difference. I trained as a nursery nurse while completing my BSL Level 1 and 2 qualifications, and later worked as a Community Support Worker (CSW) in a school. In 2010, I joined Silent Sounds as a booking co-ordinator and continued my training until I became fully qualified. Fifteen years later, I’m still here, now working as the Deaf Services Manager.
2. What do you find most rewarding, and most challenging about your role?
Empowering the Deaf community and ensuring their voices are heard is at the heart of what I do. Interpreting difficult conversations can be emotionally draining, but I’m fortunate to have strong support from my colleagues, peers, and supervisor, who help keep me grounded and on the right track.
3. How do you see interpreting services evolving within the UK over the next few years?
I hope to see more interpreters entering the profession and better accessibility for all sectors.
Sarah Hobbs, Head of Deaf Services at Silent Sounds Communications
4. In your view, what needs to change to make work places, and society more inclusive for Deaf people?
I believe all workplaces should receive basic Deaf awareness training, and information must be accessible for Deaf people. This could be achieved through pre-recorded BSL translations or by providing on-demand interpreters via a tablet or iPad.
5. If you weren’t an interpreter at Silent Sounds, what career path do you think you might have followed?
I also wanted to be a policewoman, but I was never going to be fit enough for that!
6. What industry sectors do you have most experience in?
I mainly work in medical and mental health.
6. When you’re not working, what’s your favourite pastime?
I love spending time with my friends and family, volunteering at gigs and festivals, and escaping out onto a lake on my stand-up paddle board.
Learn more about Sarah’s journey as Head of Deaf Services in the ATC’s Silent Sounds Communications Member of the month article.
Silent Sounds Communications is the ATC’s Member of the Month