On 26^th March 20 deaf young people had a unique opportunity to spend a day with Julia Donaldson, famous author and Children’s Laureate. The students worked with Julia to create a new children’s book featuring deaf, signing characters entitled ‘What the Jackdaw saw …’. They worked alongside two professional illustrators, Becky Bailey and Bev Wilson, to bring their ideas to life in pictures.

The students’ feedback was very positive. Their reflections included:

‘My day experience with Juila Donaldson is epic! I can’t believe it that I have an opportunity like this! I was very grateful to take a part on this workshop with her and other Deaf young people. During in workshop, I learnt about how to write a children book which I would like to write in the future for young children. It is very good tips. I believe that it has encourage other young Deaf people to write a book and improving their grammar’.

‘I learnt to put unusual words together that I thought wasn’t work’.

‘How to use lot of technique about how to write story for younger’.

 ‘Lots of thing. It explored my imagination. It gain my knowledge. It make me feel I am confident’.

On 10th May, Mayuri, Hayley and Kayleigh took to the stage at the launch of the Shine photography exhibition at the Photographer’s Gallery, London. Thanks to Fay Sterry, David Shields and all of the young people involved for inviting us to be part of this wonderful event. Their photography is incredibly thought-provoking and inspiring:

 www.facebook.com/ShineExhibition

Later in the week, on Friday 12th May, Mayuri, Hayley and Kayleigh showcased poetry in English and BSL at the fabulous Greenwich Young People’s Day event at the Valley:

www.young-greenwich.org.uk/news/activity-day-showcases-young-people-s-talent/

Josette is actively involved in the deaf community, benefiting individuals and organisations. She is passionate about sign language and is currently studying NVQ Level 3 BSL. Josette is hugely supportive of the work we do to promote positive self-esteem in deaf young people through performance and the arts.

Join us for a colourful, deaf-friendly festival with exhibitions, dance, physical theatre, poetry, freebies and quizzes

Please join us for an exciting and colourful afternoon on the banks of the river Thames in Greenwich and wave us off on our “Include me in the world” UK tour.

On 8th July 2013 from 12-4pm we will hold a festival in the beautiful grounds of the Old Royal Naval College.

Children will perform at 12.30, 13.30 and 14.30 before waving us off on tour.

Please let us know if you are able to come along so that we have an estimate of numbers – info@lifeanddeaf.co.uk

For further details (including travel information) please click on the link below:

Life & Deaf supporters invitation to festival on 8th July 2013

Are you ok are you alright

Are they switched on
Do they sound alright

The constant yes
The constant no

Are you ok are you alright

I listen for this
I listen for that

Mum it’s ok I’m alright
Being deaf isn’t such a fight

He holds my hand and
I see the light

Life as a deaf son’s mum is alright
In fact it’s very bright

Ignorance, it’s all around
I try not to bother or let it get me down.
But people don’t care, they don’t see
There are benefits to being me;

I can cut you all out, spend some time by myself
Listening to you converse whilst being left out.
Through lip read and sign I can see the whole world
Whilst still speaking English to the oblivious herd.

I was born this way, it’s a part of me,
I don’t mind too much, my world makes me happy
But your lack of thought when speaking to me
Makes me wish you could see
For just a day, how it feels to live my way.

Mental health, wow that’s even worse.
What a stigma it holds, it’s a real curse.
All people want is a time to talk,
share their difficulties, without people around to mock.

Their hearings not there, barriers ensue
When ‘qualified professionals’ cant even talk to you!
Communication, such a simple word
But without awareness these people aren’t heard.

Lets work together to help one another
Mother, daughter, father and brother.
Blind, deaf, it makes no difference to me
Lets all communicate and through that be free.

Your time will come when you regret it.

You can take me and dump me where ever you want but you won’t get grace out of me.

RESPECT THE DEAF WORLD or YOUR TIME WILL COME.