Sylvia Simmonds
Nominee Profile
Location: Reading
I am a native British Sign Language (BSL) user who comes from a Deaf family. I have not only witnessed but have lived in a world that still contains so many barriers, frustrations, and oppression for Deaf people. I have unfortunately frequently experienced a complete lack of understanding of Deaf people’s right to access their own language.
From a young age I have advocated for the Deaf community and promoted sign language, joining the BDA’s South Regional Council, and setting up education department to give Deaf children the opportunity to learn in their first language. I then become a qualified Youth Worker, to enable me to work with young people in the Deaf community and to empower them.
For many years I have been BSL activist collaborating with a variety of organisations. Whilst at the British Deaf Association, I was part of their Legal Working Group and in 2013 we published a guide for advisory groups working with Deaf people.
I am a qualified Independent Mental Health and Care Act Advocate. As an advocate I have worked within the NHS and Social Care system for over 30 years currently working with Total Communciation in Reading and also BSL Community worker as well.
I am a qualified BSL teacher and assessor working with British Sign Language Levels 1-6 to promote the society to learn sign. I am also trainee Deaf Relay interpreter.
I have a lifetime of experience and knowledge as Deaf LGBTQ+ woman with 50 years’ worth of volunteering as well as experience in community issues, education, health, and politics.
Member of British Sign Language Advisory Board in role to advise the Equality Unit Government on key issues impacting the Deaf community and to support positive change that includes everyone.
I received the awards - National Advocate Award, Royal Voluntary Service Platinum Champion Award, Pride of Reading Community Champion and British Deaf Association Medal of honour.
I also currently on shortlisted for DisabilityPower100 with Shaw Trust
From a young age I have advocated for the Deaf community and promoted sign language, joining the BDA’s South Regional Council, and setting up education department to give Deaf children the opportunity to learn in their first language. I then become a qualified Youth Worker, to enable me to work with young people in the Deaf community and to empower them.
For many years I have been BSL activist collaborating with a variety of organisations. Whilst at the British Deaf Association, I was part of their Legal Working Group and in 2013 we published a guide for advisory groups working with Deaf people.
I am a qualified Independent Mental Health and Care Act Advocate. As an advocate I have worked within the NHS and Social Care system for over 30 years currently working with Total Communciation in Reading and also BSL Community worker as well.
I am a qualified BSL teacher and assessor working with British Sign Language Levels 1-6 to promote the society to learn sign. I am also trainee Deaf Relay interpreter.
I have a lifetime of experience and knowledge as Deaf LGBTQ+ woman with 50 years’ worth of volunteering as well as experience in community issues, education, health, and politics.
Member of British Sign Language Advisory Board in role to advise the Equality Unit Government on key issues impacting the Deaf community and to support positive change that includes everyone.
I received the awards - National Advocate Award, Royal Voluntary Service Platinum Champion Award, Pride of Reading Community Champion and British Deaf Association Medal of honour.
I also currently on shortlisted for DisabilityPower100 with Shaw Trust