Our Operations and Governance Coordinator, Hannah Laycock, sat down with Vice President Education, Holly Pearce, to talk openly about deafness, visibility, BSL, and what support looks like in real life, for International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
“Deafness Is a Hidden Disability”: A Conversation with HISA’s Holly Pearce
Our Operations and Governance Coordinator, Hannah Laycock, sat down with Vice President Education, Holly Pearce, to talk openly about deafness, visibility, BSL, and what support looks like in real life, for International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Understanding Deafness and Deaf Culture
Hannah: How do you usually describe being deaf to people who don’t understand deaf culture?
Holly: There are different types of deafness. People talk about the lowercase “d” for hard of hearing, like mild hearing loss, and the uppercase “D” for people who are completely deaf or use cochlear implants. But even that is controversial — the deaf community is really diverse.
People also say things like, “You don’t look deaf.” Deafness is a hidden disability. I don’t have an accent, and some deaf people do because they’ve never heard speech the way I have.
I don’t think people realise how much impact deafness has on your energy. You’re constantly reading lips, concentrating in lectures, taking notes, trying not to miss anything. It also affects travel, phone calls, face-to-face conversations. People assume you can’t do certain things, when really, it’s that you’ve learnt to adapt. I always say it’s been a case of “adapt or die.”
Deaf culture isn’t spoken about enough, and there’s still a lot of controversy and misunderstanding.
When Deafness Feels Invisible
Hannah: Are there moments when your deafness feels invisible, or moments where you wish it could be?
Holly: Yes — especially in meetings or when I’m meeting new people. Sometimes I only tune into part of the conversation, not the whole thing.
There are times when I wish it could be invisible, like when I’m filling in forms or asking for adjustments. I worry about how people will react or if it’ll cause issues. People aren’t always educated about deafness, and everyone’s needs are different, so it can be complicated.
Even things like concerts can make deafness feel invisible. And the Adult Disability Payment process definitely made me feel invisible, because you almost forget how much deafness affects your daily life until you’re forced to explain it.
The Mental Load of Listening
Hannah: You mentioned energy levels. It made me think of our shared experience — even a “normal” day can feel exhausting because of the concentration needed to follow what’s being said.
Holly: Yeah, exactly. And with dyslexia too, which affects concentration and understanding, the two clash. Sometimes I just need to step away and come back another day.
What BSL Gives Me
Hannah: What does British Sign Language give you that spoken language can’t?
Holly: BSL gives me freedom. People don’t realise that everyday gestures — like asking someone if they want a drink — are basically sign language.
It helps me communicate with other deaf people, especially when we’re tired. When someone signs to me, it’s a breath of fresh air because I don’t have to speak. It’s like second nature.
I only started learning at 19. I know the basics — enough to order coffee or pizza and have a general chat — and it just makes me feel calmer. When colleagues sign in meetings, even small things, I know it’s for me. It’s like a different version of lip-reading.
Learning spoken languages is hard because so many words sound similar. I wasn’t allowed to take a language at school. BSL was the first language that fully clicked for me.
Interpreters have helped a lot too, at conferences or graduations. It takes away the pressure and the anxiety.
Being Seen – and Being the Only One
Hannah: Are there communities where you feel fully seen, and others where you still feel like the only one?
Holly: That’s a hard one. I don’t think I’ll ever feel fully seen everywhere, because every deaf person’s experience is different. But yeah, I do often feel like the only one.
When I first came to UHI, I struggled. Being deaf affected my mental health. Other people could just crack on with things. I had different assessments because of dyslexia, I needed equipment, I needed adjustments — and it highlighted my deafness.
I only started getting the right support at 18, even though I’ve been hard of hearing since birth. At 15 I didn’t want colourful hearing aids because I didn’t want people to treat me differently. That carried on for years.
Eventually I got support through SAAS for software and equipment so I could hear properly in class. I also encouraged senior managers and peers to do training.
People don’t always take an interest unless they have to. BSL has been a recognised language since 2003, and we’re only now working on the BSL Plan for 2030. There’s still a long way to go.
How Hearing Colleagues Can Help
Hannah: How do you wish hearing colleagues would approach conversations about deafness?
Holly: I’d rather people were open. If someone has a question, just ask — I’ll give a straight answer. Be open to learning, doing training, or researching how to support deaf colleagues.
HISA has tried to get interpreters for me many times. It doesn’t always work because there’s a shortage in the Highlands, and interpreters are expensive because it’s a niche job. But the effort matters.
If a new deaf colleague joined, researching their needs and raising awareness would make a huge difference.
Finding Confidence
Hannah: Since being at UHI, do you feel less taboo or guarded about your deafness?
Holly: 100%. Speaking with other deaf students has helped a lot. I don’t vocalise my deafness as much as I should, but I’m much more open now. It doesn’t stop me doing anything — I might have hoops to jump through, but I can still do what I love.
Being vocal means accommodations are met. I’ve become more confident standing up for myself and making sure committees follow good governance around accessibility.
There have been times where I didn’t understand people with cochlear implants properly — not in a horrible way, just because I didn’t fully get it — and that’s something I want to work on too. Deaf people can misunderstand each other just as much as hearing people can misunderstand us.
If anyone thinks their hearing is getting worse, get it checked. My family noticed before I did.
And a fun fact: my hearing loss might be from the medication used when I was born seven weeks premature, or because the hairs in my ear didn’t open. So, I’ve basically been deaf since birth.