Advocate in UK raises awareness of Cochlear Implants
Finding an illustrated children's book with a character with a cochlear implant is not easy. "Not anymore" according to Gerard Featherstone, UK Cochlear Advocate.
Gerard edited and his marketing company has published Joanne Zellweger’s new book 'My Brother John' which features just such a character. The book's described as “a humorous children's book that shows a typical day in the life of a brother and sister and the fun and mischief they get up to.”
Inspired by John Tracy Clinic's sibling programme in Los Angeles, My Brother John is written from a sibling's perspective and raises some of the basic issues the hearing sibling faces with having a brother who is deaf and uses a cochlear implant and hearing aid.
Author Joanne, was keen to represent her daughter’s views as well as raise deaf awareness for her son who was implanted with the Nucleus Freedom. Joanne was aware that children with implants and hearing aids seem to be under represented in children’s books and when it comes to rehabilitation for children with cochlear implants, reading and sharing books is vital to language development. Cochlear UK has sponsored 500 copies of the book and included them in its paediatric promotional activities at the 1000th implant celebration day in Manchester.
Joanne, who is about to complete her training as a Teacher of the Deaf, felt it important to make the implants clearly visible so that children with implants could identify with a role model in a book. The book is wonderfully illustrated by Andy Elliott, who has worked very closely with the parents to produce colourful illustrations that adults and children will want to discuss.
Gerard has high expectations of the book. “The text and illustrations in the book will bring a smile to your face, and at the same time reveal some basics about cochlear implants and deaf awareness from a child’s perspective. We aim to broaden the base of the book’s appeal, so that in a fun way, it informs and educates hearing children, their parents and their teachers about the use of cochlear implants. We have already started on a Spanish translation of the book and, if there is demand, we plan to make the book available in all major European languages with appropriate illustrations."
“Joanne and I are delighted that it has been published. It is great to be able to share a fun book with our daughter and son to show them a character with a cochlear implant.”
You can help raise awareness of cochlear implants
2008 is the National Year of Reading in the UK, why not promote a good read to your family and friends and help raise awareness of cochlear implants by arranging to send a message in the form of a bookmark from My Brother John. Just log onto their site and ask for one to be sent on your behalf. See here. The bookmark includes a very important message from the book. See website conditions.
