A mum who spent years training for her dream job says she is routinely rejected by employers because she is deaf.
Kimberly Campbell-Nottage, 34, claims bosses have refused to accommodate her needs when setting up interviews for roles in childcare.
It is an industry in which Kimberly has longed to work, and in which she has various qualifications.
She told Birmingham Live it would "mean the world" to do the job she's longed to do since she was growing up. She feels it would also inspire her own four children, each of whom are also deaf.
"I’ve always been passionate about working with families and children," said the mother of four.
"I’d love to work in a school or as a family support worker."
Kimberly spoke recently at an event run by BID Services, which runs Deaf Awareness Training & British Sign Language courses to people and businesses. She has called on bosses to "educate" themselves on deaf awareness and to "take a chance" on people with disabilities.
The woman, from Birmingham, continued: "Looking for work as a deaf person is very difficult - the last job I applied for I asked for I got an interview but when the company realised I was deaf and that they’d have to provide an interpreter, I didn’t hear anything back. It’s very limiting.
"When I apply I don’t say I’m deaf because otherwise I won’t get anywhere. I’ve studied, gone to college, done my A-Levels and further education courses. I just want them to see my work and experience on the application, not that I’m deaf.
"When I was younger the rejections used to really upset me - as I’m getting older I feel like maybe I’m getting used to it. But if it’s a job I really want, it's very gutting."
Kimberly has urged employers to "not be scared" of deaf people and to better accommodate their needs. BID Services - based in Ladywood, Birmingham - provide a fully funded interpreter service to help deaf clients attend interviews and training days.
The mum added: "I’d be so happy to find work, it’s what I want to do - I want to show people that I can do this, I’ve got the experience, but no one is willing to take a chance on me. I know naturally bosses will have questions about the support we need and how we’re going to communicate - but please just ask us and we can provide that information. You could miss out on really talented and skilled people who could really make a difference in your company.
"I’ve got four children who are all deaf and I want to show them that they can follow their passions and achieve their dreams. But in the back of my head I’m very worried that no one will ever give them that chance."
