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Pauline is NI's first deaf Tai Chi teacher - Derry Today
To hear that Limavady woman Pauline Doherty has become a qualified Tai Chi instructor mightn't sound like anything out of the ordinary, but what's different about the 48-year-old is that she is the first deaf person to become a qualified instructor.
The sign language teacher took a fancy to the art form when she was participating in a 12-week course facilitated by Danny Butterfield.
The course was made possible through Derry Healthy Cities (DHC) who conducted a mapping exercise to identify gaps in the community for people with disabilities.
With the support of DHC, Hands That Talk in Dungiven, where Pauline works, identified Tai Chi as something members were interested in.
"I just really connected with it," Pauline told the 'Journal' through interpreter Heather Martin. "It was a beautiful feeling. I could feel the blood circulating through my body. I felt as if it gave me inner strength."
Sessions included explanations on the benefits of Tai Chi on both physical and mental health as well as the practical classes.
Pauline's natural flare for Tai Chi did not go unnoticed, and with the help of DHC and Mr. Butterfield, she became the first qualified deaf instructor.
Pauline is able to teach Qigong, a holistic system of self-healing exercise and mediation.
"It's to do with your body and energising your body and relaxing your mind," explained Pauline. "If you have some health problems it can help them as well."
Pauline says she is happy to be deaf, as that is how she has been since birth. However, it has not always easy for Pauline, and she still faces obstacles. One of the biggest barriers is communication.
"It was awful when I was growing up. At school there was signing, but outside there was no
ne. It was a big barrier," she said.
"I think people need to be more deaf aware, although it is better now."
Pauline remembers when she was working, she felt as if people were not interested in talking to her because of her deafness. Fortunately, that has changed.
"My life has got a lot better," she said, explaining Tai Chi has boosted her confidence.
The 48-year-old, who lives in Greysteel, said she is "really proud" of her achievement, and hopes to spread the joy of Tai Chi to other people like herself.
"I hope I can give them a better understanding of what it is about," she said.
"It's really helped me relax, and given me inner strength on days where I might have felt a bit down."
Fiona McCann, project manager of Foyle Active Futures, said having Pauline as an instructor means the Tai Chi course can be sustained.
Members can now do it at any time," she added.
To hear that Limavady woman Pauline Doherty has become a qualified Tai Chi instructor mightn't sound like anything out of the ordinary, but what's different about the 48-year-old is that she is the first deaf person to become a qualified instructor.
The sign language teacher took a fancy to the art form when she was participating in a 12-week course facilitated by Danny Butterfield.
The course was made possible through Derry Healthy Cities (DHC) who conducted a mapping exercise to identify gaps in the community for people with disabilities.
With the support of DHC, Hands That Talk in Dungiven, where Pauline works, identified Tai Chi as something members were interested in.
"I just really connected with it," Pauline told the 'Journal' through interpreter Heather Martin. "It was a beautiful feeling. I could feel the blood circulating through my body. I felt as if it gave me inner strength."
Sessions included explanations on the benefits of Tai Chi on both physical and mental health as well as the practical classes.
Pauline's natural flare for Tai Chi did not go unnoticed, and with the help of DHC and Mr. Butterfield, she became the first qualified deaf instructor.
Pauline is able to teach Qigong, a holistic system of self-healing exercise and mediation.
"It's to do with your body and energising your body and relaxing your mind," explained Pauline. "If you have some health problems it can help them as well."
Pauline says she is happy to be deaf, as that is how she has been since birth. However, it has not always easy for Pauline, and she still faces obstacles. One of the biggest barriers is communication.
"It was awful when I was growing up. At school there was signing, but outside there was no
ne. It was a big barrier," she said.
"I think people need to be more deaf aware, although it is better now."
Pauline remembers when she was working, she felt as if people were not interested in talking to her because of her deafness. Fortunately, that has changed.
"My life has got a lot better," she said, explaining Tai Chi has boosted her confidence.
The 48-year-old, who lives in Greysteel, said she is "really proud" of her achievement, and hopes to spread the joy of Tai Chi to other people like herself.
"I hope I can give them a better understanding of what it is about," she said.
"It's really helped me relax, and given me inner strength on days where I might have felt a bit down."
Fiona McCann, project manager of Foyle Active Futures, said having Pauline as an instructor means the Tai Chi course can be sustained.
Members can now do it at any time," she added.