Personalities within the Association

We have interviewed a few of the 'personalities' within ALS, asking each of them the same questions, some lighthearted and others more serious. We will put up these interviews from time to time and hope you enjoy getting to know a few more people 'behind the scenes' at the Association of Lipspeakers.

Co-ordinator of the West Country Regional Group

Q. What time do you usually wake in the morning?

Julie: At whatever time my dog thinks I should get up! I generally get a gentle lick in the ear about 7am.

Q. Pick five words that best describe you.

Julie: . Reliable, commited, a people person.

Q. If you could have a one-to-one with anyone (living or dead) who would you choose?

Julie: Joshua Slocum, the round the world sailor. I would love to hear his tales and I could learn so much for when I go sailing.

Q. Who, or what, has changed your life for you?

Julie: The ESF, who funded the Human Aid to Communication course I did in 1999. The course included Lipspeaking level 2, Note taking for deaf people & Guiding visually impaired people; all three elements have led to freelance work I have enjoyed. There was a half day talk on the course about deafblindness, this gave me a contact at the local RNIB and using my experience from the past I am again also working as a guide/communicator with deafblind people.

Q. What activities do you find most enjoyable ?

Julie: Probably the same activities as now - dog training, in particular training and competing at dog agility because it's great fun for me and the dog. Also sailing, I'd like to keep up my twice a year sailing as a communicator/watch-officer on deaf cruises in a beautiful 68ft yacht. The yacht is based in Southampton and we generally cruise the Channel islands and France.

Q. What are the most frustrating aspects of communication for you?

Julie: How to let potential users of Lipspeakers know the service is available, and statutary services to use Lipspeakers more readily.

Q. What would be your Desert Island Discs luxury?

Julie: Chocolate, and chocolate. [I was once given a list of ten reasons why chocolate is the best thing in life - I believe in them all!]

Q. What would you most like to see ALS achieve?

Julie: A professional Lipspeaker available on every occasion a lipreader needs one, anywhere in the country - i.e. grow as a professional body.

Julie, thank you so much!

Julie Bolt was interviewed by Lynne Dubin, July 2002.