The DSN’s (Deaf and Sensory Network’s) Hear Me Project, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund Wales, has received a collection of bilingual and inclusive books from BookTrust.
The books, some of which focus on children who are deaf, have hearing loss, or disabilities, will provide an important resource for families engaged in the project, it says.
The Hear Me Project supports families of deaf children in Flintshire and Wrexham, helping them improve communication within the home. Through at-home sessions, resources, and practical support, the project empowers families to build stronger relationships through effective communication strategies. The addition of these books will now enable families to enjoy reading materials that reflect the experiences of children like their own, encouraging inclusivity and acceptance.
The books, provided by BookTrust, are written in both Welsh and English and represent a wide range of abilities and experiences. They aim to inspire children who are deaf or have hearing loss to see themselves represented in the stories they read, promoting a sense of belonging and inclusion. These books also serve to educate peers about the diversity of human experiences, fostering understanding and empathy.
Sioned Jones, Director of BookTrust Cymru, said:
“At BookTrust, we believe that children should have the opportunity to see themselves in the books they read. We are proud to support the Hear Me Project by providing bilingual and inclusive books that reflect the experiences of children who are deaf or have hearing loss. We hope these stories will not only inspire young readers but also help them feel seen, valued, and included. Ensuring that all children read regularly and can realise the benefits that come from reading is really important.”
BookTrust wants every child to have the good start in life that reading brings. Its programmes, many of them in Wales funded by the Welsh Government, reach the families of every child across the country with books and resources that aim to spark a love of reading and sharing stories from the earliest age, while also supporting speech, language, brain development, and the lifelong benefits of reading.
Tracy Creswell, Senior Practitioner for the Hear Me Project, shared her excitement about the collaboration:
“We are incredibly grateful for the generous donation from BookTrust Cymru. These books are more than just stories; they are a powerful tool for inclusion and representation. Our goal is to show children that they are not alone in their experiences and that there are characters and stories that reflect who they are. The positive impact this will have on families and children within the Hear Me Project is immeasurable.”
The Hear Me Project is a vital resource for families across Wales, helping them navigate the challenges of raising a child with hearing loss while strengthening communication within the home. With the support of the National Lottery Community Fund Wales and partners like BookTrust Cymru, the project continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of deaf children and their families.
