Cameron visited Step Ahead in February 2020 but it took him another three months to start to come along to Step Ahead. In June he started to attend Mosaic classes which he came too regularly until September 2020. At this time he become a little braver and attended our coffee mornings and craft group. It was great to see his confidence grow and his communication with other staff and members. It must have been very difficult for him.

As the staff and members gradually got to know Cameron and better able to communicate with him he started to come along to other activities. It’s great to now see Cameron joining in lots of different activities as well as his regular attendances at swimming, evenings out and lunches.

In February 2021 Cameron purchased a chromebook through our “Project Connect” scheme https://stepahead.org.nz/project-connect/ which helps to connect people with disabilities to the wide world web.

Cameron has agreed to share his story with others in the hope that other profoundly deaf people may be helped through mental health and isolation issues. Like most people he found it difficult to come to Step Ahead in the beginning, but also having the extra barrier of not being able to hear must have made it really challenging.

We asked Cameron how he found out about Step Ahead and why he came here. 

“I struggled in terms of communication when I first came to Step Ahead because I was dealing with a lot of anxiety, communication barriers, and not knowing many people as I have several mental illnesses such as Chronic Depression, PTSD, Anxiety, & Panic Disorder so coming to Step Ahead was like going out of my comfort zone. Also, I had to have a sign language interpreter with me in the early stages of visiting Step Ahead too.

It was recommended by my Occupational Therapist that I look at coming to Step Ahead because of all the challenges that I face in life in terms of my mental illnesses and being isolated. Living rurally for most of my life on top of being deaf and the OT support person felt that Step Ahead was something that would be helpful for me.”

Cameron was asked about the staff at Step Ahead and if they are kind and helpful?

“Of course, there are fantastic staff members working at Step Ahead, and I have gotten to know most of them through group activities and correspondence. I like to think that we both have a good understanding of how to communicate, what to expect and how to approach each other. They are very empathetic, and made me feel included and as part of the team. The thing that impressed me the most was their understanding, treated us as equal (not like staff/members).”

Step Ahead are currently operating an innovative scheme called Project Connect.

Cam was asked if he wished to take part in Project Connect and how it helped him: 

“Yes, I was offered the opportunity, several options such as Chromebook, Tablet or Smartphone, however I chose the chromebook because this meant I was able to use it for everyday uses such as internet banking, communication, and also more importantly I was able to bring it to Step Ahead and take part in group activities.

I do this by booking an interpreter online, she may be in Auckland or anywhere else in NZ. When I attend an activity at Step Ahead the interpreter listens to the speaker then translates by signing to me on the screen (via Skype). I can then sign back to her (signing) as she is watching me. I can ask questions and be fully involved in the discussion. She does not need to be there in person which was extremely helpful as there are times when an interpreter is not available in Christchurch. This way I can access interpreters from all over NZ.”

Step Ahead offer one on one help to get you underway, not only with the Chromebook but also with setting up wi-fi in your home. Did you need any help with this and did you learn anything (about technology) or did you know how to use it already?

“No, it was pretty straightforward however I had some assistance from a Project Connect staff member in familiarising myself with the Chromebook because it is a bit different from a standard computer. It did not take me long to get used to it as I am a quick learner, and I was surprised when I received a certificate for being successful in using a Chromebook in terms of training purposes which gave myself a boost in confidence.

I use the Chromebook mainly for emails, internet banking, bible study, Netflix and also video conferencing through Zoom or Skype with an interpreter.”

We asked Cameron for help running a Sign Language group, his input to it made a huge difference to the sessions, and we intend to continue with further groups.

We asked him if the Chromebook has helped reduce his feeling of isolation and about his involvement with the Sign Language group:

“The Chromebook has reduced the barrier of communication & isolation for me because I have the ability to have an interpreter translate for me online which enables me to take part in activities or group educational sessions and feel like I am part of the group without the need of bringing an extra person along. It has allowed Step Ahead staff & members to see and understand me in my natural language and be exposed to sign language too which is marvellous because there has also been a lot of interest from people here that they want to learn sign language too, and I have some part in making that happen too.”

How has this helped your mental health?

“Attending Step Ahead and having a Chromebook has broken down the barriers that I had especially when it comes to communicating with people and it has given me opportunities to take part in a lot of things which I didn’t think was possible, I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have Step Ahead in my life to be honest.”

He finishes by saying:

“I am happy to be involved with helping others, especially those with mental health issues because of my understanding of the challenges that such people face every day. I don’t want it to be restricted to only the deaf community although if there were new deaf members, I would be happy to assist in terms of communication and breaking down the communication barriers too 🙂 “

The staff and members at Step Ahead value Cam’s attendance and his help, especially with the Sign Language group which we are planning more of. We also feel our members have benefited from Cam’s success here too as they have learnt not to be afraid of his inability to hear and have learnt how to be accepting, and communicate with him. We really appreciate the effort Cam has made to make Step Ahead work for everyone.