'Always Wanted to Learn Sign Language Course?' and wondered what S.S.E. (sign supported English) might look like ...well take a look at Rachel signing her Oscar acceptance speech for the film 'The Silent Child.' Speaking and signing at the same time she gives access to both hearing and deaf people - she is using S.S.E! In this speech she is using B.S.L. (British Sign Language) signs but in English word order - which is what we do on our course. Rachel uses B.S.L. in the film

I could not resist this topical picture. So many of us have wonderful memories of playing in the snow. Here is one of mine (just a snippet taken from one of the draft chapters of my new inspirational book 'He'll Never Talk' - a true story about the challenges faced by a deaf, blind boy and his family: “Stick your tongue out Dean. Watch me,” Alex signed to his little brother. Alex threw his head back. The snowflakes danced and melted on his protruding tongue. Dean copied him.

Sorry if this shocks you or upsets you. I debated for many years about sharing this personal photograph with you. This was taken after Steve's last operation in 1986 when the doctors said there was nothing more that they could do to help Steve. Those of you who have read, 'Nipples to Kneecaps - to die or not to die with cancer' know that Steve was full of cancer and given , at the most, three months to live. I am posting this harrowing picture today to give you and anyone fac