Deaf teenagers visit Number 10
Teenagers with cochlear implants received a unique invitation to visit Downing Street as part of a two-day residential summer programme, organised by The Ear Foundation.
The 15 teenagers, aged between 11 to 15 years-old, had two days of jam packed fun starting with a trip down to London on the train. They enjoyed a ride on the London Eye, a tour around the Sea Life Aquarium and a bus ride to Covent Garden to watch a street performer, followed by a meal out in Trafalgar Square.
The next day was spent enjoying a film making workshop where the teenagers were given the opportunity to make their own DVD, involving filming, learning scripts, acting and directing. Many imaginations were fired as they were shown what to expect if they decided to choose this as a career in the future.
Both the trip to London and the film making day was filmed by the BBC for See Hear, to be broadcast later in the year.
Sue Archbold, Chief Executive at The Ear Foundation said: “Young people with cochlear implants face different challenges to their hearing peers. Although many are included in mainstream schools, when they reach the secondary stage, the challenges can become particularly difficult and lead to feelings of isolation.
“This type of event enables them to meet others who are facing the same problems in day-to-day life and gives them the opportunity to develop self confidence. Communication is tuned completely to their needs and they can relax in the knowledge that they are not missing out on anything.”
The trip to London and the film making day was filmed by the BBC for See Hear, to be broadcast in September.
Comments
The initiative is worthy of being supported but there should be some initiative towards making hearing aids, implants and other equipment used by those with hearing impairments more economically-friendly by introducing more government-defined price-cuts.
Posted by: anubhav kapoor | September 11, 2010 10:02 AM