Read my lips

When I first started working as a writer and actor, I had enough hearing to direct my own radio edit in a BBC studio. Fourteen years on, I now wear hearing aids (due to hereditary progressive deafness) and use a sign language interpreter on radio drama studio recording days. My best known role to date is as deaf mum-to-be, Gabby, in Channel 4’s award winning Cast Offs series. I also play hearing characters, mainly in shows I’ve written myself. I work in theatre, TV, radio and literature. Radio studios are by far my favourite work environments, because of the perfect acoustics!

Here are some personal answers to questions I get asked all the time:
Can you lip read?
Yes, but my ability to do this depends on unpredictable factors such as the ‘quality’ of the speaker and how tired I am. For example, I struggle if they have a moustache, beard, braces, chew gum, wear dark glasses or have an accent. Lip reading requires good light, no distractions and warnings when the topic changes. Avoid moving around, covering your face, or gabbling away like a horse racing commentator. Lip reading is very tiring indeed, and I often misunderstand things. To enable me to work effectively and professionally, I use sign language interpreters and palantypists.

Is that your mum?
No, it’s my sign language interpreter. I use various highly qualified professionals, none of whom are my mum or boyfriend. I book them myself and pay them using my Access to Work grant. If you haven’t worked with an interpreter or palantypist before, have a google. Here is a useful factsheet. You can find lists of local freelance sign language interpreters at ASLI. Or use an agency (more expensive). Some deaf artists will have a list of preferred support workers. All organisations should get deaf awareness training. Deaf and hard of hearing people have different requirements. An induction loop helps some deaf people. I have to work with communication support, but like to use a loop to hear people’s intonation.
Can you give me a call?
I’d rather email you, to be honest. But you can call me using the Typetalk Text Direct prefix 18002. Or we could Skype each other (video and instant message).
How can you speak?
I speak like a hearing person because I used to be hearing. I can hear own voice with my hearing aids.
It must be very difficult being deaf ?
The UK is a great place to live if you’re deaf. As a writer and actor it’s essential for me to be able to experience and reference the culture as it evolves. I can do this thanks to captioned theatre and subtitled cinema screenings. Lots of places offer interpreted or subtitled talks too. The Internet as an arts hub is way behind in this respect. Many websites offer podcast and video content without providing transcripts or subtitles.
Can you tell me how to reach deaf audiences?
If you plan to make your events accessible, you might find it helpful to employ a deaf access officer.
Where can I learn to sign?
Check out the information at RAD. BSL Works also offers intensive courses.
Don’t say
You don’t look like a deaf person – how much can you hear?
Do say
What can I do to communicate better with you? I’d love to hear more about your work.