Care worker Alex Scarlatt, who is profoundly Deaf, has been recognised for her commitment to supporting Deaf young people.
Alex, 33, who joined the Devon-based Deaf Academy’s residential care team in October 2022, is a finalist in the category of newcomer of the year at the Great British Care Awards, which take place in March this year.
And there’s also a special mention for Alex’s much-loved and very popular Hearing Dog for the Deaf, Otto, who is by her side as she works with the Academy’s students.
The award is intended to acknowledge and celebrate a member of staff who has commenced and remained in employment in the care sector within the previous 12 months.
James Heaver, Assistant Principal for care at the Deaf Academy, said everyone at the Academy was proud of Alex’s achievement.
He said “Alex is naturally kind and caring and takes her role very seriously whilst being able to have fun along the way! Growing up as a profoundly Deaf British Sign Language user, Alex has used her personal life experiences of being a Deaf young woman to her advantage when developing positive and trusting relationships with the children she cares for.
“She has developed fantastic relationships with our students, who also adore Otto. Alex has first-hand experience of attending a residential school for the Deaf and understands the challenges young people face. She is truly able to empathise with issues such as children missing home and other daily barriers. She is also able to provide first hand advice regarding overcoming barriers linked to deafness.”
As a residential care worker, Alex’s role at the Academy involves supporting the young people to develop their independent living skills, as well as organising inclusive social activities.
James added: “Alex’s passion at the Deaf Academy is ‘building bridges’, ensuring full accessibility for the students. Being a positive Deaf role model has enabled Alex to develop the skills swiftly to become a highly effective practitioner. She has been studying for her Health and Social Care qualification utilising the regular support of a British Sign Language interpreter.
“We have children from across the country stay with us in residential care, so Alex has also been learning some new regional signs from the Deaf children that she supports and to further develop her understanding of working with Deaf children with mental health needs.”
Alex has gone from strength-to-strength during her time with the Deaf Academy. Despite not having any previous experience of working in residential care, she has flourished and provides the young people with exceptional care, experiences and outcomes.
The Deaf Academy, which was founded in 1826, provides a school and Further Education college for Deaf young people aged 9-25, many of whom have additional needs. It currently has around 70 students. Its unique provision and specialist expertise mean that students come from across the UK to attend, with many using its residential care facilities.
Originally located in Exeter, the Academy moved to the Devon seaside town of Exmouth in 2020. Its new campus is designed around the principles of inspiration, visual communication and inclusivity, placing it at the cutting edge of Deaf education in Europe.
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