Deaf Awareness Week 2023 | “I am happy to be Deaf”

Hashim and Andrew

Hashim Mahmood is studying football coaching at University of South Wales (USW). He is based at Barnsley FC, aspires to be a semi-professional football player, and he is Deaf.

When Hashim was only a few months old he contracted an ear infection that led to him becoming profoundly Deaf. However, he has not let his hearing impairment stand in his way of his educational or sporting aspirations.

“I've been Deaf all my life. I'm happy to be Deaf,” he said.

“I owe a lot to my parents. They put me in a hearing school but with a Deaf unit, so I had Deaf peers, and was part of a Deaf community. That wouldn’t have been the case in a mainstream school.

“I don't feel disappointed about my Deafness, I have accepted that I'm Deaf. My childhood friends and siblings learnt how to gesture and sign. It's all positive. I have always felt included.”

“If I have any problems, I can communicate through sign, writing things down, or text messages. I just try my best.”

Admittedly a little mischievous when he started high school, Hashim’s teachers made him realise that he needed to put in the work if he was going to succeed. He said: “I found subjects I enjoyed, and I worked hard. The academic side was difficult, but I discovered my working style and continually improved. I am proud of that.”

To assist him, Hashim works closely with Andrew, his interpreter. He said, “We have worked together since high school, through sixth form, BTECs, and football coaching. I really appreciate him, and we are good friends.”

A lifelong football fan, Hashim supports Manchester United and plays for two teams - Farsley Celtic Deaf FC, who have just won the English Deaf Football Challenge Cup, and England Deaf Team.

“Football has always been my favourite thing to do. When I was considering my career options, I looked into coaching, and it seemed the natural progression. Playing and coaching go hand-in-hand,” he said.

Due to graduate this year, Hashim started the course during the pandemic. He said: “Learning online was difficult for me. As a Deaf person, I prefer to work face to face. I had to work doubly hard compared to my hearing peers.

“USW has been so supportive. The lecturers check in to see if I need anything and to let me know what support is available to me. I just try to get on as normally as I can – if there is a barrier, I put the effort in and try to break it down.

“I think about younger Deaf people coming through and I would advise them to work hard, try and be the best they can be, always thinking that next step. If there's any barriers, find the support available. I'm happy to help anyone who wants to get in touch.”