I am a firm believer that it’s hard to be what you don’t see, which is why representation is so important!
Former England rugby player Rob Burrow recently read CBeebies Bedtime stories on International Day of Persons with Disabilities. But why is this significant?
After winning 8 super league titles with the Leeds Rhinos, Rob was diagnosed with Motor neurone disease in 2019. Rob now uses an Eye Gaze computer with The Grid technology to speak for him, allowing him to use his eyes to select the words on the screen he wants to say, and the tablet will read it out loud.
In the BBC news segment reporting the story they speak to Lucy, a young girl who herself uses a computer to communicate. Lucy and her mum explain how Lucy has watched Bedtime Stories her whole life but has never recognised herself in the readers before.
Rob marks the first non-verbal storyteller on the legendary children’s show but not the 1st reader with a disability. He joins amputee Alex Brooker and hearing impaired actress Rose Ayling-Ellis who have both read stories this year.
The story BBC chose was ‘Tilda Tries Again’. An inspirational story about a little girl who overcomes challenges when her world turns upside down. It’s a lovely book about perseverance, resilience and determination even when things feel impossible. Something I’m sure everyone can relate to.
Well done BBC and Rob for taking this important, inclusive step which will hopefully go towards breaking down barriers for the next generation.
Hayley Ross, Digital Skill Tutor Jewish Care Explore.
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- This article was written by the Jewish Care Karten Centre
- Featured in the Karten Winter 2023 Newsletter
- This article is listed in the following subject areas: Centre News, Other