A hairdresser is challenging assumptions customers make about deaf people.
Jean West is profoundly deaf and her first language is British Sign Language.
She works as a freelance hairdresser around East Sussex and also at Giovanni’s Salon in London Road, Brighton.
Now she has launched a website to offer support and advice to other deaf hairdressers.
She said: “I want to encourage other deaf hairdressers to challenge the assumptions people make about deaf people and sign language users. I want to make people aware of equal opportunities within the hairdressing world.
“Some clients do find it difficult to trust a deaf hairdresser but this is probably due to their perception of a deaf person and confidence about communication. Once their hair is done they are often very happy.
“Qualifying was a lot of hard work and now working as a hairdresser is like a dream come true.”
For more information visit www.jeanwesthair.co.uk.
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