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Colchester: a 'first' as deaf pupils to be taught martial arts, with help of sign language (From Gazette)
DEAF martial arts pupils will be taught by instructors using sign language as part of a project believed to be a UK first.
The Royal Association for Deaf People (RAD) approached Colchester’s SD School of Martial Arts after reading how partially-deaf Adam Murray, eight, had excelled at the club thanks to special attention.
RAD young people’s project development manager Shelley Henderson contacted the club to ask if a taster day could be staged for children across Essex.
In return, she will be making arrangements to teach the instructors basic sign language and could, in future, provide funding for a fully-qualified signer to attend classes.
It is believed this move would be unprecedented in the country.
Ms Henderson said: “When I read about how the club had helped Adam Murray, I approached them to see if they would be willing to take part in an initiative to help young deaf people, and they were really enthusiastic.
“We have funding available to support this type of project, but it is important to work with the right type of club, which has the right attitude and approach to these issues.”
It emerged in April how Adam Murray, of Copford, had reached the second highest level for his age in karate and had been invited to compete at an event in Paris.
Sean Doyland, chief instructor of the Eastgates-based club, said: “We have a number of members who have performed brilliantly to overcome disabilities of one sort or another.
“We are proud to be a totally inclusive club and are delighted to have been chosen by RAD to work on this very exciting project.”
l A taster session for deaf children will be held at SD School of Martial Arts on November 9 from noon.
Anyone who wants to get involved is asked to register an interest by e-mailing shelley.hender son@royaldeaf.org.uk
DEAF martial arts pupils will be taught by instructors using sign language as part of a project believed to be a UK first.
The Royal Association for Deaf People (RAD) approached Colchester’s SD School of Martial Arts after reading how partially-deaf Adam Murray, eight, had excelled at the club thanks to special attention.
RAD young people’s project development manager Shelley Henderson contacted the club to ask if a taster day could be staged for children across Essex.
In return, she will be making arrangements to teach the instructors basic sign language and could, in future, provide funding for a fully-qualified signer to attend classes.
It is believed this move would be unprecedented in the country.
Ms Henderson said: “When I read about how the club had helped Adam Murray, I approached them to see if they would be willing to take part in an initiative to help young deaf people, and they were really enthusiastic.
“We have funding available to support this type of project, but it is important to work with the right type of club, which has the right attitude and approach to these issues.”
It emerged in April how Adam Murray, of Copford, had reached the second highest level for his age in karate and had been invited to compete at an event in Paris.
Sean Doyland, chief instructor of the Eastgates-based club, said: “We have a number of members who have performed brilliantly to overcome disabilities of one sort or another.
“We are proud to be a totally inclusive club and are delighted to have been chosen by RAD to work on this very exciting project.”
l A taster session for deaf children will be held at SD School of Martial Arts on November 9 from noon.
Anyone who wants to get involved is asked to register an interest by e-mailing shelley.hender son@royaldeaf.org.uk