In exactly two weeks we are holding the inaugural Teach Us Too Study Day, and I am so excited that Marion Stanton will be sharing her expertise in teaching literacy to non-verbal children like me. Without Marion’s advice and belief in me I doubt I would be able to spell.

If you or someone you know would benefit from this day, please spread the word and reserve a free ticket on Eventbrite. But hurry there are only a few left.

Yesterday I went with Teach Us Too to present a lecture at Bath Spa University, and apparently I am the youngest visiting lecturer that they have had! Always on the look out for new ways to share the message of Teach Us Too to audiences which may be in a position now or in the future to change the educational outcomes for children yoked with the pernicious label PMLD. Until all children are taught to read and write regardless of their educational label, I will continue as a voice for the voiceless.

On Saturday I was honoured to take part in the Swindon Spring Festival and share something of my love of writing.  Yet again, my wonderful sister Susannah read my words from a fully lit stage, but unlike anything I have done before my words were simultaneously translated into sign language. With a green room of my own and a special table to sign books as well as a very warm welcome we were made to feel like VIPs.

Until yesterday I thought that new boilers were installed and newspapers were collated, but last night both of these verbs happened to my father when he formally became the Archdeacon of Malmesbury in Bristol Cathedral. And what a wonderful occasion it was! Joined by family, friends, and supporters as well as a long procession of robed church leaders, we enjoyed sublime music from the choir and a sermon from Bishop Lee.

Standing at the lectern, very little of my Susannah could be seen behind the bronze eagle, but her command of the space and every word she read could be heard clearly at the back. So yesterday was my chance to sit and be proud of both my father and my sister.