Success Stories

Mrs. Fehmida Abbasi

A New Experience - Teaching the Deaf

I’m Mrs. Fahmida Abbasi, teacher in Hyderabad. I joined Deaf Reach in 2009. I completed my BA and have many years of teaching experience in other schools previously. I know teaching is my profession but I was bored. I always wanted to do something new and different as a career, but not teaching. When I joined Deaf Reach, I met Ma'am Heidi Geary, our school's head teachers, Sir Madni, Mrs. Shahbibi and Mrs. Atiya, and I was very impressed with the school environment. I changed my mind and decided to join the school, and I got the job.

I work with other teachers who are supportive of each other and we treat each other like family. I have learned a lot about love, team-working and helping others in this brilliant organization and Deaf Reach. This was not possible from my experience when I worked in other organizations previously.

In Deaf Reach, teachers are encouraged to be creative and not only teach by the rote system. Even though I can teach all Academic subjects, I also realized that I can continue to develop my other skills and talents. This inspired me because I am a creative and artistic person. I took extra classes to improve my Art skills. I learned to research from the internet and use other books and resources for ideas.

I also use different interactive teaching such as drama, acting, games and art skills to present my lessons. When I plan my lessons well, this makes me very happy and challenged because then my students are also eager to learn.

I had to learn Sign Language very fast so that I can communicate with my Deaf students. Deaf people are very visual, and if my expression is negative or positive, it shows in the children’s response. They respond easily and enjoy their lessons or they are bored, it all depends on me.

I'm happy with my Head teachers and Directors who are very gracious and loving. They do not only treat us as employees, rather they always encourage us to be like one family.