Deaf News: Care Worker at Exmouth’s Deaf Academy nominated for prestigious award (BSL)

One of the newest members of the Deaf Academy team has been nominated for a prestigious award.

Alex Scarlatt, who is profoundly Deaf, joined the Exmouth-based Academy’s residential care team in October 2022. She has been nominated for the Care Newcomer Award at the Great British Care Awards, the regional finals of which take place on November 23.

The award is designed to acknowledge and celebrate a new member of staff who commenced and remained in employment in the care sector within the previous 12 months. 

Alex joined the Deaf Academy’s residential care provision in October 2022 alongside Otto, her Hearing Dog for the Deaf.

James Heaver, assistant principal for care at the Deaf Academy, said:

“This is a very well-deserved nomination for Alex, who has gone from strength-to-strength during her time with the Deaf Academy. Despite not having any previous experience of working in residential care, she has flourished and provides our children and young people with exceptional care, experiences and outcomes.

“Alex is naturally kind and caring and takes her role very seriously whilst being able to have fun along the way! Growing up as a profoundly Deaf British Sign Language user, Alex has used her personal life experiences of being a Deaf young woman to her advantage when developing positive and trusting relationships with the children she cares for.”

James  added:

“Alex has first-hand experience of attending a residential school for the Deaf and understands the challenges young people face, she is truly able to empathise with issues such as children missing home and other daily barriers. Alex is also able to provide first hand advice regarding overcoming barriers linked to deafness.”

Alex’s passion at the Deaf Academy is ‘building bridges’, ensuring full accessibility for the students. Being a positive deaf role model has enabled Alex to develop the skills swiftly to become a highly effective practitioner. She has been studying for her Health and Social Care qualification utilising the regular support of a British Sign Language interpreter.

The awards will be presented at the regional finals at Ashton Gate, Bristol on November 23, 2023. The winners of the regional finals go on to compete in the national final in March 2024.