Trish Wright

What is your name?

Trish Wright

What role do you do?

They say every day is a school day, well in my job, it most certainly is! No, I am not an education provider, but I am a BSL/English interpreter, and a large part of my work is interpreting in universities.

One day it could be a one-to-one support meeting between a student and a staff member; the next, it could be a formal lecture, followed by a workshop or seminar. Every day is different, and it is all about how I can assist with providing full access to higher education for deaf students.

I have amazing support from the office staff, who work so hard to ensure I have the preparation materials I need to provide the high level of interpreting support required. It is important that I work closely with the students and build up a good working relationship.

But it is not only lecture theatres! Many courses have more practical elements, and having an interpreter at these sessions is just as important as in formal lectures. I have interpreted in engineering laboratories, theatres, museum visits, behind-the-scenes theatre guided tours, and even geography field trips.

Deaf students have the right to access the same activities and information as all the other students, and I feel privileged to be a part of their learning journeys.

I also have the opportunity to interpret some theatre shows, which is my passion and something I hope to do more of as I progress in my role.

Why did you choose this role?

To be honest, I think this role chose me! I had wanted to be a BSL/English Interpreter for many years and have been training towards full registered status for decades, beginning with learning the BSL Manual Alphabet right back when I was a Girl Guide and then gradually working my way to becoming a fully registered BSL/English Interpreter.

Throughout the years, I have had several job roles in the Education Sector, from Teaching Assistant to Midday Supervisor, Communication Support Worker to Notetaker, so interpreting in Education was probably inevitable.

I have also always been a lover of theatre, so when I realised that Complete Communication Ltd provided Higher Education support and was also passionate about accessibility in theatre, I knew I had found my perfect match!

What do you enjoy the most about your role?

I love the variety! When I first started, I was terrified of big lecture theatres! Walking into that room with the tiered seats full of students and not necessarily knowing who would be accessing the service made me nervous! Yet knowing I was making a difference and allowing some access to their chosen program of students was worth it.

How lucky am I to have the opportunity to work in so many domains and with Complete Communication, who work tirelessly to ensure all their clients receive the same outstanding level of support they deserve.

What are your favourite aspects of being part of the team?

Although I am not based in the office, I have regular contact with everyone thanks to the wonder of technology! I love how the team are always there at the end of a Teams chat or meeting, and I particularly love how we all bring our own uniqueness to blend to create one awesome team! I have never experienced a team like this before; everyone loves what we do, and it shows! We all work very hard, but we also have lots of fun!

What is your favourite moment/story from within the office/team?

I think it must be when I visited the office for the first time, and I was made to feel very welcome; I was offered a huge choice of drinks and snacks, including ‘posh coffee’ and homemade cakes! I felt at home immediately, and it was lovely to finally meet more of the team in person!

Any tips or advice you would share to those who are in similar roles?

Keep talking! Working out in the community can feel isolating, so it is important to keep checking in with other team members/colleagues. Also, don’t compare yourself to anyone else; be yourself because you are unique, and bring your individuality to the world!