When people don’t try and communicate and can’t be bothered it makes me feel uncomfortable, unimportant and small. Just because I can’t hear doesn’t mean I should be treated differently.

Today I arrived at Huntly Aquatic using the Cérge App. I am a Deaf woman and communicate via sign and lip reading mostly. I often have communication struggles and a lot of people do not use sign language or it takes them a while to realise I am Deaf and that I need to communicate differently than what they may have assumed.

However today, at Huntly Aquatic I was greeted by two staff members who were very pleasant and kind. I will be honest I was nervous because I wasn’t sure what it would be like or if there would be a communication breakdown. I had put my information into the app so I knew they were aware which I think helped both sides prepare.

When I arrived we spoke together for about 5 mins, we used a range of gestures, writing and typing on the phone which is fine. I liked that they were enthusiastic to do their best to communicate with me and it didn’t feel like a bother. We enjoyed having a chat :) I was able to find out everything I needed to know about the venue and the locations of all 3 pools.

They have a kids areas too which was great because now I shall return with my kids and have a great family inclusive day out.

Being a Deaf person sometimes I experience people thinking I have a low intelligence or that I won’t understand them. This is a really damaging assumption as I am a smart woman and live a great life, I just can’t hear. I am really mindful of not wanting my kids to experience or witness discrimination as I went them to have a great experience in the world and see all people as equals.

I really enjoyed using the Cérge app, I had heard good things about it from a friend who used it in Auckland and so I was happy to give it a go!