Welsh learner Hannah Rowlatt says adult learning has helped her rediscover her confidence after the Covid-19 pandemic took away her independence.

Registered blind with a degenerative sight condition, Hannah, is Policy and Campaigns Officer for the RNIB. Hannah began a Mynediad (entry level) course in 2022, as many of her colleagues speak Welsh. Attending weekly classes, she progressed to Sylfaen (foundation level) and is about to start Canolradd (intermediate) with Learn Welsh Cardiff.

“Attending the classes has had a profound impact on my life, not just in the development of a new skill to use in work and with friends, but in reminding me of what I am capable of,” explained Hannah. “My confidence and independence have grown as a result of being in a supportive environment.”

Supported by her tutor, who has adjusted the course to make it accessible and inclusive, she has also received encouragement from other learners and has enjoyed the fun they’ve had learning together. “Participating in adult learning has enabled me to rediscover my confidence, determination and, most importantly, myself. I still have a long way to go but I’m excited to start the next level of the course. “I think everyone should have an opportunity to learn Welsh because we live in Wales and it’s our national language. Taking part in adult learning is not necessarily about the skills you learn, it’s also about the positive experience and wellbeing.”

Hannah uses a screen reader on her laptop to read aloud the course materials. She has used her learning experience to work with the National Centre for Learning Welsh to make course materials more accessible.

Screen reader versions of these materials are now available to other blind and partially sighted people across Wales.

“My hope is that other blind and partially sighted people are encouraged to join a class, benefit from these improved resources and experience the joy of learning as I have,” said Hannah.

Award nominator Dr Orwig-Palmer said: “Returning to the classroom as an adult can be daunting and I hope that Hannah’s story shows what a welcoming and supportive environment tutors and learners can create.

“It’s wonderful to see how Hannah has taken her personal experience of accessibility challenges and turned it into something truly positive, using her passion to help improve Learn Welsh courses for blind and partially sighted learners.”