DVD aims to raise deaf awareness

8:29am Thursday 8th May 2008

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DEAF children in York have released a DVD about their experiences in an effort to raise awareness of their condition.

The 27-minute film, called Twelve Weeks, Two Wheels, One Aim, follows eight young people with hearing difficulties as they learn how to ride a motorbike.

It was produced by York charity Lollipop and was screened this week at York's City Screen cinema to mark Deaf Awareness Week.

The DVD has now been distributed to every school in York to help spread the message that people with hearing loss can still live their lives to the full.

In York, there are 154 pupils with hearing difficulties. Theresa Grennan, of the National Deaf Children's Society, said: "Lollipop have created a fantastic DVD.

"The film follows a group of deaf young people who show very clearly that deafness shouldn't be a barrier to achieving anything you want to in your life.

"It is a wonderful resource and explains deaf awareness in a fun and informative way."

The project was led by Andrea Gitsham, who is the chairwoman and founder of Lollipop, which aims to bring together the families of children with hearing loss through regular, free social activities and gatherings.

Andrea had to adjust to a new silent world after losing her hearing ten years ago following a serious illness.

She said: "We wanted to make a film that raises awareness of hearing loss and its implications and helps to break down barriers and give out a positive message that deaf and hearing impaired people can live their lives to the full.

"There is a misconception that, because we can't hear, we can't do things like drive, but that is not true.

"Everybody involved in making the film had a fantastic time.

"They learned a lot, laughed a lot and were truly amazed by their different experiences."