Supermarket assistant

I’m a supermarket assistant because I like seeing new and familiar faces every day, especially as you get to know regulars. Knowing that I’m able to make someone’s day brighter keeps me going.

My job varies, but it’s all about communicating with customers and making sure they leave the store happy. If I’m on customer service assistant duties, I’m responsible for approving age-restricted items, solving technical issues and operating the cash office at the end of trade. At the front desk, I deal with problems and handle internal communications from head office.

There have been many barriers as a deaf person in retail, especially during Covid-19 with people using masks! I’ve had good days and bad days. Despite this, my employer has been amazing.

I used to have profound sensorineural hearing loss in my left ear and mild to severe deafness in the right (depending on frequency). Now, I’m profoundly deaf in both ears. I’m learning to adjust and have been supported immensely by my partner and family.

During my master’s degree, I wrote a thesis on disability in publishing to tackle the accessibility and inclusivity issues in the industry. I’m proud of my work and hope to start my publishing career soon.

Sophie Terry

Spring 2023 Families magazine