John Walker
John Walker
Convenor of Deaf Studies, Centre for Community Engagement, University of Sussex
John Walker, convenor of Deaf studies and project lead for the Our Space project, which funded the development of the Sussex Deaf History website.
John's research interests include community and cultural politics, professional development of sign language interpreters, oral history/archives and Deaf interpreting. He currently leads a programme of Deaf studies including BSL courses, day and CPD schools, projects and research; some of which are mentioned in the Centre for Deaf Studies section in this website.
John started his career as a chemist because his teacher advised that it was a 'good job for a deaf person', until he discovered his true love, training. He became a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). He has studied 'personal development for professional purposes' at University College Chester and 'sign language interpreting' at University of Durham.
John's career began as a laboratory chemist before moving onto training in a youth organisation (FYD). He then established his own company, Chereme, for 8 years, delivering a range of professional development services. He now works for University of Sussex.
John's personal contribution to the county includes the Deaf Equality and Access Forum, which began at the BSL march for the recognition of British Sign Language in Brighton.
His personal interests includes skiing, computing, hiking and visiting new places.