Kevin’s Amazing Journey with Cambridgeshire Deaf Association.

Some nineteen months ago, Kevin was assessed by the clinic at Addenbrookes whether to have a cochlear implant, he was put in touch with Cambridgeshire Deaf Association (CDA). Kevin decided to visit CDA Peterborough Drop in, to find out more information about Cochlear implants. When first attending the Deaf community events, Kevin was shy as he didn’t know anyone and having been brought up in a hearing environment and didn’t know any Sign Language. 

Recognising Kevin’s potential, and with CDA’s focus on empowering people with hearing loss, Serena extended an invitation for Kevin to join the CDA Befriending team. Without hesitation, Kevin embraced the opportunity, unaware of the incredible journey he was about to embark on. 

Kevin uncovered a community of friendly volunteers and lots of deaf people like himself and threw himself into the volunteering role. Kevin felt that he finally had people around that shared his experiences which developed a wealth of inspiration for him. This led to Kevin’s desire to learn BSL and to help him make a positive impact on the lives of others through befriending. Within just 35 weeks of Kevin’s learning journey, Kevin was thrilled to have passed his Level 1 BSL giving him a newfound confidence in his communication proficiency. This enabled him to broaden his range of communication skills—from lip reading to mastering Deaf Blind Manual. 

Kevin has enjoyed volunteering with CDA supporting deaf and deaf and blind clients. Within his time with the Deaf association, he has dedicated 150 hours to the Deaf community through the Befriending Team. Kevin's impact extended further; he has become a catalyst for breaking down barriers faced by the deaf, particularly in a society dominated by the hearing. 

The turning point in Kevin's journey unfolded during the BSL 999 launch party, where he crossed paths with Jamie Clarke—an English sports icon well known for Deaf Football and Deaf Cricket. Kevin was inspired by Jamie's achievements, and he then decided to explore his own passion for golf. 

In 2022, Kevin discovered Deaf Golf, just after the championships in Hawaii. The next championships was planned take place in Australia. Kevin had a dream he wanted to accomplish, after joining the team and starting to regularly attend Deaf Golf events, his confidence grew. Kevin was so proud to win the Yorkshire Deaf Golf Open at just his second event and this made England Deaf Golf aware of his talent.

Recently, it has been announced that Kevin has been selected for England Deaf Golf Seniors to play in the World Deaf Golf in August 2024 in Queensland, Australia. Kevin’s dream of representing his country has now come true. This goes to show that all the hard work and dedication proves that one is never too old to pursue their dream.

"Are you ready for your journey with CDA?" Kevin's journey will hopefully inspire others to embrace the challenge and embark on their own paths of self-discovery and achievement.