Croydon charity worker shrugs of disability to win employee of the year

The handicap of being both deaf and blind has not prevented a charity worker winning a national award as employee of the year reports the Croydon Guardian (14/10/11).


Mother of two Emma Boswell has Usher Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that has seen her lose first her hearing with her sight then deteriorating so she had tunnel-vision and no night-vision by the age of 20.
Unperturbed, Mrs Boswell, 38, of South Norwood, joined deafblind charity Sense, and works to support people with her own condition, earning her the title of Employee of the Year 2011 on Tuesday, October 4.

She said: “I feel very honoured to win this award - It’s a privilege to be able to work with deafblind people and their families and to meet new people and learn new skills.”
Meeting with deafblind clients, working with professionals and families, and those affected with Usher, Mrs Boswell also does presentations and attends UK conferences speaking about dealing with the disorder.

“My life with Usher did not stop me from achieving my dream of travelling solo, joining an expedition working at Camp America and achieving a degree in interior design. I have had a adapt and accept my condition.
Supported by her guide dog Drew Mrs Boswell also uses sign language and speech, though she recognizes she is not always easy to understand.
She said: “My speech is not always intelligible but my family and friends understand me because they are used to my voice and how I speak. Strangers may not always understand me.

Having been promoted to manager of the National Usher service Mrs Boswell, who works out of the Sense office in Epsom says she loves working to help people She said: “I used to work as an interior designer but realised I wanted to work with people on a more personal level.”