Deaf Teenagers’ Adventure is Capital

The visitors in Downing Street.

A group of deaf teenagers with cochlear implants received a unique invitation to visit Downing Street as part of a two-day residential summer programme in London, organised by national charity The Ear Foundation.

While in the capital, the 15 teenagers – aged between 11 and 15 – also enjoyed a trip on the London Eye, a tour of the Sea Life Aquarium and a bus ride to Covent Garden to watch street performers.

The teenagers also took part in a film making workshop during which they made their own DVD, involving filming, learning scripts, acting and directing.

The Ear Foundation works to ensure deaf people and their families can make the best use of technology to improve hearing, communication and spoken language.

The charity’s Chief Executive, Sue Archbold, explained: “Although many young people with cochlear implants 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 later in the year.

More: 0115 942 1985, www.earfoundation.org.uk