91㽶Ƶ

Photography student
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Thirty-year oldDeaf learnercelebrates success at 91㽶Ƶ

John Fraser-Natale, is the first learner at 91㽶Ƶ to undertake a degree course using British Sign Language

30-𲹰-DZDeafstudentandNewport resident,John Fraser-Natale,is the first learner at 91㽶Ƶ to undertake a degree course using British Sign Language (BSL).Johnwillsubmithis dissertation and any other assignments in BSL.

John is currentlystudyingBA Top Up – Photography, aftercompleting his PhotographyFoundationDegreecourse at91㽶Ƶ’sCrosskeys campus, with the support ofthe BSLfluentCommunication Support Workers(CSWs).TheDZ𲵱’sDeaf Clubwasfounded in 2020andruns on a weekly basis. It has aTeams chat which is for all Deaf learners on every campus,allowingmembers to communicatevia video,through the medium of BSL.

Nicola Gamlin, Principal at 91㽶Ƶ said: “It’snever too late to learn — whether you want to pursue a new career path, develop your business concept or trya new activity.

Photography learner

“The college works closely withand supportsDeaflearners through BSL and Sign Supported English (SSE) so that they can learn new skills, increase their knowledge and gain confidence whilst studying with us.

“91㽶Ƶ’s flexible part-time courses start and run throughout the year, and we often see adults returning to us to takeadditionalcourses as they excel and advance in their disciplines. This year, we are thrilled to be welcoming more adults, of all ages, who have decided to pursue their aims and interests with us.”

John decided tosign upforan evening course in photography two years ago, whichsparked his passion for photography andled him toundertakehisfoundation degreeand BA Top Up.Johndidn’tlethis ageorhisdeafnessstand in the way of him pursuinga passion.

John is already making strides in his photography career by volunteering as a photographer for Wales Deaf Football, Wales Deaf Rugby, Celtic Deaf Festival and Deaf Gathering —helping him to bothbuildhis portfolio andexpandhis network.

John said:

“The staff at 91㽶Ƶ have been so accommodatingfrom day one, which has made it so easy for me to learn.I was assigned CSWs, calledNisha and Joaas soon as I registered for my course.They havebeen there for me throughout mylearningjourney,encouragingand supporting me at every step along the way.

Learner and tutor with camera

“Theirsupport has helped me to not only growin confidencebut also developas a person.Itwasn’tlike this when I was in school, no one knew how to use sign language, so I just had to muddle through.I felt veryalone anddiscriminated against.

“I want touse my photography work toraise awareness of theDeafcommunity and campaign forDeafrights and visibilityacross Wales and the wider world. I did my foundation degree project on portraying theDeafcommunity and will continue tostrive for equity forDeafpeople through the medium of photography.

“Once I have completed myBAdegree, I want to achieve myMaster’s degree in photographytoo andgo on topursue a career in this field.

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