My name is Amy Ford I am a NRCPD Registered Sign Language Interpreter offering services for Sign Language Interpreting and Translation. I have worked with Deaf and Deafblind adults and children for over 18 years. Below are some of the roles I have had the privilege to work in:

 

• Community support worker for Deafblind adults

• Support worker for Deaf and Deafblind adults in occupational therapy, music therapy and art therapy.

• Qualified Teacher of the Deaf (ToD) for primary, secondary and P16 students

• Qualified English, music and drama teacher

• Deputy Headteacher for Royal School for the Deaf Derby

• Masters degree in Deaf Education

• Theatre rehearsal interpreter for Derby Theatre

• Volunteer for National Deaf Children's Society NDCS

• Audio describer offering voice over description to visually impaired patrons at Derby Theatres

• Trainee Interpreter - community, theatre, festivals, education, training, interviews

 

I am hearing, but as a child, I grew up with a mild hearing loss and was in and out of hospital having gromits and hearing tests for 12 years, until I was discharged. This made school and communication challenging for me and where my sign language journey began. 

 

When I started university in Bath, I began working for the RNID as a support worker. I started my level 1 BSL in Bath and completed my journey with my Interpreter qualification in Bristol. Over the last 18 years I have met some fantastic people, colleagues and lifelong friends. I'm looking forward to meeting and connecting with more people as I work within the deaf community.