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InSignPod Episode 5: Deaf Leadership, Legal Education, and the Power of Representation - A Conversation with Rob Wilks

Updated: 1 day ago

Welcome back to InSignPod, the space where real stories from the Deaf community are shared, celebrated, and preserved.We’re thrilled to bring you Episode 5, released in late 2025 - a thoughtful and inspiring conversation exploring Deaf leadership, education, and identity.

At InSignLanguage, we believe accessibility should be built into every environment. Each episode reflects that commitment by giving voice to lived experiences that shape, challenge, and strengthen our community.


🎙️ Meet Our Guest: Rob Wilks

In this episode, our host Lamin sits down with Rob Wilks, a senior lecturer in law at the University of the West of England, Bristol. Rob is a respected figure in Deaf advocacy and legal education, and his work has helped shape how Deaf people navigate - and influence - legal systems in the UK.

Rob’s journey into academia wasn’t linear. He shares how his career evolved, the experiences that led him into higher education, and the personal motivations that fuel his passion for teaching.


📚 Teaching Future Lawyers Through a Deaf Lens

Rob provides powerful insight into what it means to teach law as a Deaf professional.He talks about:

  • How Deaf students can thrive in legal education

  • The importance of embedding accessibility into teaching methods

  • Why representation in higher education matters - especially in law

  • How future lawyers benefit from understanding Deaf perspectives

His reflections highlight the crucial role educators play in shaping more inclusive legal systems.


🤟 The Story Behind His Sign Name

One of the most personal moments in the episode is Rob sharing the origin of his sign name.He explains:

  • what it represents

  • how it connects to his identity

  • why sign names hold cultural significance within the Deaf community

It’s a reminder of how language and identity are interconnected - and how visibility in leadership helps shift perceptions.


🌟 Visibility Matters: Deaf Leadership in Action

Rob also discusses the broader landscape of Deaf leadership and why increased representation is vital.He touches on:

  • the barriers Deaf professionals still face

  • how leadership roles can create change

  • why authentic visibility transforms workplace culture

His insights are both grounded and hopeful, offering listeners a road-map for building more inclusive professions.


Watch the Full Episode

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💬 Want to Share Your Own Story?

InSignPod exists to uplift voices from within the Deaf community.If you would like to feature on a future episode and share your lived experience, we would love to hear from you.

 
 
 

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