Young deaf people face awesome challenges

DIDCOT, U.K. - Sept. 9, 2013 - PRLog -- On the first day, as soon as everyone had arrived,  settled in and introduced themselves to each other, the group was split into three groups, ready to start a host of exciting activities from canoeing and climbing to abseiling from a viaduct.

The young people thoroughly enjoyed themselves as they enthusiastically faced some awesome challenges including steering through a lock in a canoe, being tipped out of a kayak and scrambling under and over rocks.

There were some quieter outings to Crich Tramway Village and the picturesque Chatsworth House, where the teenagers enjoyed touring the house, having a team race through the garden maze and admiring the Emperor's Fountain, which has a water jet which can reach a height of 90 metres!

The evenings were spent playing sports, such as basketball and orienteering, as well as exchanging  stories  about pets, schools and hobbies.

Family Co-ordinator Lorna Lord said: "The week was a great success. The young people have learnt so much about team work, perseverance and overcoming challenges without even knowing it.

"Watching them develop friendships with others who share the same challenges and knowing that many of these will last a lifetime, is both a humbling and rewarding experience. We hope to see everyone back again next year!"

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Notes to editors:

The Dukes Barn activity week is part of the Ear Foundation's Teens Programme, a series of  events held for deaf teenagers with cochlear implants, hearing aids or bone anchored hearing systems.

The main purpose of the Teens Programme is to provide opportunities for young deaf teenagers to get together, build friendships and share the unique experiences they have with other teens who know and understand what it is like living with deafness and wearing a cochlear implant, hearing aid or bone anchored hearing system.

Woven into the programme are opportunities to discuss communication, the technology they use, and any issues they may be having both at school and socially.

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