My time on the YAB

So for the last 18 months I have been on the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS)’s Youth Advisory Broad (YAB). I joined in December 2015 and today, July the First 2017 is the last day. The YAB is made up of around 18 deaf young people aged 11-18 from England, Northern Island, Scotland and Wales. I have done so much on the YAB, I’ve meet some really great people and felt like I had done something meaningful.

With them I have;

·         Been to the South West Every Deaf Child Matters Conference and spoke in front of around 50 people.

·         Have done two radio interviews, the first was with Heart Radio and the second with BBC Wiltshire, taking about our campaign, Right to Sign

·         Had a part in a campaign, putting sign language in schools as a qualification.

·         And finally went on the ‘Road Show’, as a volunteer and a role model for young deaf children and talked with them about technology that will help them.

I have also improved my sign language skills and my confidence, I now know I can stand in front of a bunch of “old people” and share my ideas accompanied by some signing.

So thank you Sarah and the rest of NDCS for making mine and the others time on the YAB, a really wonderful experience and allowed us the chance to share our views.

PS. Sarah, I hope you have fun in Exeter, and thank you.