Sign language and silver medals: hearing loss and my career

My name is Alan, I am a cook and, in my spare time, I sail professionally. I am also deaf.

When interacting with hearing people, I read their lips and communicate verbally. This is not easy; it requires a lot of attention and focus both on my part and on the part of the person I am communicating with.

A job which allows me to develop and remain independent

I graduated from culinary school in 2013 and soon came across Sodexo when searching for a job.

I moved to Krakow and started working for Sodexo in November 2013. I have been working for Sodexo Poland for over 7 years now.

In 2016, I took on the role of cook at a client site in Warsaw. I love working for Sodexo. Despite the long commute, the team atmosphere is great, and this means it’s completely worth it.

Initially, I was concerned about being accepted by the team because of my disability, but at Sodexo, I have met wonderful people who were ready to help me.

All of my co-workers have been incredibly understanding and made an effort make communication easier. At first it was difficult for my co-workers and I to understand each other using lip reading, but with the support and openness of my colleagues, things are getting much easier. I’ve managed to teach my co-workers some sign language which helps us communicate in addition to lip reading.

It’s incredibly important to me that my job allows me to develop and remain independent. I’d love to broaden my culinary knowledge, learn new techniques and be inspired by other cuisines and I know that, with Sodexo, I will have the opportunity.

Winning silver at the World Deaf Sailing Championship

Outside of work, I love to sail. I discovered sailing through family trips with my dad, grandpa and brother from the age of 7. I gained more experience through summer sailing camps organized by my high school and then decided to complete a yacht sailor course and motorboat helmsman course.

I’ve been a member of the Warsaw Deaf Sports Club for 11 years now and compete at the Polish Deaf Sailing Championships each year. Two years ago, I am proud to say that I, along with my crew, won the silver medal. In this year’s competition, the weather was not kind to us, and we came fifth.

Three years ago, in 2018, the first World Deaf Sailing Championships were held in Poland. Along with my crew of four, I won the silver medal. This is my biggest sailing achievement so far.

Sailing competitions for the deaf are no different to the classic competition. The rules are the same in both cases.

My dream is to participate in the Deaf Sailing Olympics. This type of competition has not been held yet, but there are plans to organize it. Like every sailor, I also dream about a voyage around the world.

This article was created by Alan Stepneiwski, Cook, Sodexo Poland