Bilal was born profoundly deaf and grew up using British Sign Language (BSL). After early cochlear implants and a positive start in primary school, he faced bullying at secondary school. Now he’s focused on promoting deaf awareness and removing barriers for others.
Early years
When I was very young, the doctor spoke to my mum and dad about cochlear implants and explained how it would be the best choice for me. My parents wanted me to have the best possible access to sound and communication, so after learning more and thinking carefully, they decided to go ahead.
My mum was anxious at the thought of me having surgery so young, but also hopeful that it would help me in my development.
The time leading up to the surgery was emotionally challenging, but once it was done, my mum came to terms with taking care of me, both in terms of hearing and speech development, as well as appreciating the role of sign language. Looking back, she thinks the choice was difficult but she knows it was the right choice for me.
My mum’s hopes for my future
My mum especially wanted me to have every opportunity – to hear sounds, people’s voices, and to develop my speech if I wanted to. She also made sure I learned BSL because she wanted me to have both – sign language and spoken language.
I’m really grateful for that decision because it’s helped me in so many ways, especially in education and everyday life.
School days
I loved primary school and had lots of friends. I went to a mainstream school that had a specialist unit to support deaf children. My family and primary school always made me feel safe and supported, making sure I had the communication support I needed. But, when I started high school, things began to change.
I had the support of an interpreter in lessons so I could understand everything. It was outside the classroom that was most challenging. I experienced a lot of bullying, which was very upsetting. Some of the boys would call me names and then start laughing and trip me up.
At first, I was too scared to tell anyone, but when they started to push me as well, I told my mum that I didn’t feel safe in that school. She immediately wanted to find me a different school where there would be more understanding of deafness.
A turning point
We were in the car when my mum told me I would be moving to a specialist deaf school, and I started crying; I was so happy.
When I started there, I absolutely loved it and made lots of friends. I had great support from school and my family to focus on English, which I find hard. When it came to my GCSEs and I found out that I had passed English, I screamed so loudly! I was so happy to be able to progress to sixth form.
Passing my BTECs (Business and Technology Education Council), was such an amazing moment for me. There were times when I found it so difficult and exhausting, but my mum always encouraged me to keep going. When it came to opening the envelope with my results in, I was so nervous.
When I saw that I had got distinctions in my subjects, I was so happy and celebrated with my friends. I told my mum and she screamed! When I saw her, I gave her a massive hug – she really is my hero. I was so excited to be able to go to university.
Training to teach
As a young child, I always wanted to be a teacher. I have volunteered at a local club that supports disabled children for the last four years, and it helped me to realise that teaching is the right path for me.
I absolutely loved my primary education degree from the moment I started, but it was quite scary. I thought I was going to struggle to communicate with a whole class of children on my placement, which was with year five in a mainstream school.
The university and my placement tutor were so supportive. They helped me to build my confidence and supported me to practice my pronunciation. I then started to feel so much more comfortable in the classroom. As my confidence grew, I taught the whole class a variety of subjects using my own lesson plans. It was actually fine!
When it came to my observation with the tutor from university, I was so nervous, but I passed and it was such a big relief. My mum was so proud.
Dreaming big
I would love to support deaf children in the future as a Teacher of the Deaf. I also want other deaf people to know that they can go to university as well if they want to. I get Disabled Students’ Allowance, which allows me to have a note-taker, which is really helpful if I don’t hear everything.
Using both BSL and speech
BSL will always be my first language – it’s part of who I am and how I grew up. But, as I got older, especially when I moved to university, I started using more speech because I wanted to communicate with hearing people more easily. I still use BSL with my deaf friends and family, but I use speech more now in everyday life and in teaching.
Why deaf awareness matters
It’s easy for people to become deaf aware and to have more understanding of how to communicate with deaf people. Looking at someone when you’re talking or even some simple finger spelling makes a big difference.
I still remember those negative experiences that I had in secondary school, when I was bullied because of my deafness, but I try to forget about it and just focus on becoming a teacher so that I can support other deaf children in the future. I am really happy right now, doing what I love and enjoying my life.
