Worcester Neighbors Learn Sign Language for Deaf Girl's First Halloween
- Ada Hawkes, a six-year-old from Worcester, UK, is profoundly deaf and communicates through British Sign Language.
- Her mother, Tilly, initiated community engagement, resulting in 60% of local households learning basic BSL for Halloween.
- This effort aims to include Ada in trick-or-treating, addressing communication barriers and promoting inclusivity within the neighbourhood.
In Worcester, UK, a group of compassionate neighbours has united to support a six-year-old girl named Ada Hawkes, who is profoundly deaf, as she embarks on her first trick-or-treating experience this Halloween. Ada, diagnosed with hearing loss at 18 months, communicates primarily through British Sign Language (BSL), which has previously hindered her participation in community activities like Halloween due to communication barriers. Her mother, Tilly, recognized the challenges posed by traditional trick-or-treating, where darkness and masks complicate lip reading and interaction with others. To facilitate a more inclusive environment, Tilly teamed up with Cadbury Fingers and the National Deaf Children's Society to promote the learning of basic BSL among local residents. This initiative has led to an impressive 60% of households in Ada's neighbourhood committing to learn BSL. Residents received packages containing Halloween-themed BSL phrases, such as 'trick or treat' and 'you look spooky', enabling them to engage with Ada in a meaningful way. Tilly expressed her excitement about this community effort, emphasizing the importance of inclusion and communication for her daughter. Research indicates a significant gap in BSL knowledge among the general public, highlighting the importance of such initiatives to foster understanding and support for the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. As the holiday approaches, the anticipation of Ada's first trick-or-treating adventure reflects a growing awareness of the need for inclusivity within society.