A deaf actor has shared a moving video message to his younger self as part of the National Deaf Children’s Society’s Deaf Awareness Week (5-11 May) campaign.
Jayden Reid, whose credits include a guest role in ITV’s Grantchester, reassures his younger self: “Never, ever be scared to talk. Never be scared to ask for what you want. Your barriers that you face will break. Just always be yourself.”
In his video message, the Londoner, who has also showcased his talent as a deaf performer in Disney’s Little Mermaid and Encanto, tells his younger self: “Starting from primary school I faced a lot of difficulties with making connections with people, communication and my biggest issue was bullying. It has knocked a lot of my confidence down as a young, deaf black child.”
But Jayden, who has also appeared in numerous commercials and music videos and performed at the Paralympic Homecoming Ceremony in London 2012, continued: “In secondary school I had to learn sign language because I went to a deaf school. I think from that point I was able to learn how to form conversations to be able to speak more, especially as a child who started to learn how to speak quite late.”
And Jayden recalled how his life improved after he shared the issues he was experiencing with a teacher.
Jayden added: “When it got to Year 12, I had a teacher concerned about my mental health and we spoke. My life started to get a lot better all because I actually spoke to someone.”
Jayden’s inspiring message is just one in a series of powerful videos from deaf people to their younger selves which are currently being shared by the National Deaf Children’s Society on social media to celebrate deaf identity, resilience, and community, during Deaf Awareness Week,
One of the video messages is from the BAFTA winning actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, who recently starred in hit BBC1 drama Reunion. Using British Sign Language (BSL), Rose reassures her younger self: “Don’t worry too much”, recalling how she was nervous ahead of her first job interview to work in a supermarket.
Rose, who was born deaf, tells her younger self: “You were worried and concerned and you told mum that you didn’t know if you would get the job because you are deaf.
“Forget that – you will get the job! When you get the job, you will realise your confidence will grow. You will learn that being deaf is actually your advantage. It will give you so many opportunities.”
Rose, who also recently fronted BBC documentary Old Hands New Tricks, in which she teaches BSL to residents at a retirement home, adds: “Just learn how to make the most of those opportunities. Before you know it, you will have an amazing time. Just believe in yourself.”
Arran Masterman, from the National Deaf Children’s Society said: “We want deaf children and their families to be inspired by these stories and messages of empowerment. We’re encouraging deaf children to embrace their deaf identity and see their uniqueness as a strength.
“It’s also about raising awareness of deaf experiences. Whether it’s overcoming barriers, finding confidence, or embracing sign language, every story is a celebration of deaf pride and resilience, for deaf children, young people and the wider deaf community.”
Mr Masterman added: “The National Deaf Children’s Society wants deaf children and young people to keep believing in themselves, keep aiming high, and achieving whatever they want to do.”
The National Deaf Children’s Society supports the UK’s 50,000 deaf children and young people. For anyone needing advice, support or information about deafness, please call our free Helpline on 0808 800 8880 or visit our website, www.ndcs.org.uk
The National Deaf Children’s Society is here for you whenever you need help or support – if you’ve just found out your child has a hearing loss, you need support with making decisions as your child grows up or you work with deaf children. Join the National Deaf Children’s Society today to access all our information, services and support.
There are also free deaf awareness resources on the National Deaf Children’s Society website with deaf awareness videos for children, a deaf awareness quiz and much more.
