John Davies

John Davies joined NADP about 20 years ago and apart from being a member of the Executive Committee has also served as Secretary of the Communications Committee and the Employment Committee and currently as Honorary Treasurer.

John, who is a self confessed workaholic, is an actuary by training and retired some 8 years ago as Principal Actuary of a major insurance Group. In the earlier years he continued to work part time, if five days a week counts as that, but is gradually now moving to a fuller retirement.

"My hearing was first recognised as weak when I was about 10 years old, but no action was taken at that time. I had my first hearing aid when I was 25 and my hearing weakened progressively until I was regarded as profoundly deaf. At that time I started losing my way in employment and in life generally. I now have very little remaining discrimination in my hearing at all.

"The big turning point in my life came when I heard about NADP and plucked up the considerable courage needed to attend a meeting. I found the experience very daunting but at the meeting saw other people with similar problems coping in ways I could not. I was able to tell myself that if they could do it then so could I. Recognising and following role models is important in my view and I have done my best to become one for others. You will find excellent role models, and the opportunity to share experiences, in NADP.

"NADP also introduced me to Palantype. This has played a big role in my subsequent life, especially at work and I was lucky to have an employer who funded and allowed me to use Palantype at all levels in the company. These days funding should be available from Access to Work but it was not then so I was well treated. Now with retirement coming through, my hope is that I can return to NADP some of the benefits they have given me."

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