Maureen Ouso

Maureen is featured in our ‘Humans of LJMU’ series in collaboration with the ‘Humans of Liverpool’ social media account, sharing the stories of the people who make our city, communities and university the vibrant, inclusive place it is in celebration of our bicentenary year.

She joined LJMU under our Positive Action Programme, which is aimed at addressing the under representation of ethnic minority people in the workplace. Since joining LJMU's Faculty of Business and Law, she's improved her confidence and taken advantage of the development opportunities on offer.

In her interview, she also talks personally about being deaf and the advantages of technology in helping her to communicate with others.

 Maureen’s ‘Humans of LJMU’ interview

“I believe that my disability has changed my life for the better. I'm now a better person as I take into consideration other people's limitations, and I am much more patient. I lost my hearing suddenly back in 2010 when I contracted malaria. I almost lost my life, so I am very thankful to be here.”

“Back in Kenya, before I became hearing impaired, I used to work in television production, and I loved it. But after I became ill, I lost all of my confidence. I struggled to communicate with people, and I worried what they would think.”

“Working for John Moores has really built my confidence because there's a lot of self-development. Now I speak to students freely. Working as a placement officer means I am constantly communicating with brilliant, talented young people. This is possible thanks to technology.”

“Technology has changed my life, my cochlea implant allows me to hear and with every update, it gets better and better. We get upgrades the way you would update your iPhone. I am basically half human, half cyborg; that's what my son tells me. Being someone who was born with hearing, everything sounds different now because it is all robotic. Even my own voice sounds different, which is very strange. Perhaps if I was born deaf it would be easier for me.”

“The great thing about this university is that equality, diversity and inclusion are not just a theory. It is not just on paper – it's practical. Every room here is fitted with a loop system, which is a major boost for people like us, as it helps people with cochlea implants to hear in busy settings. When I came here, everyone was aware of my limitations, so everyone has tried their best to communicate with me and been patient with me.”

“Today, I'll be going to the pub for the first time since I've lived in the UK. Normally I would be too anxious to be in such a loud, public space. But technology has transformed my life, and the new update of my implant means that I now feel much more confident. I'm more open to better things ahead, better things coming my way. I'm eating life with the big spoon now.”