Heywood teenager and little brother begin online sign language channel

Jade and Christian Kilduff

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A Heywood teenager has begun teaching sign language to her little brother, who has cerebral palsy, so that he can communicate with everyone.

College student Jade Kilduff, 17, has begun teaching little brother, Christian, three, how to communicate using Makaton, a form of communication based on British Sign Language (BSL).

Makaton signs are based on the gestures used in BSL, but it is used in conjunction with speech and in English grammatical word order.

Over 100,000 children and adults use Makaton symbols and signs, either as their main method of communication, or as a way to support speech.

Under the moniker ‘Sign Along With Us’, Jade and Christian have started sharing online videos of their signing so that others can learn how to communicate with those who have learning or communication difficulties.

Jade, who wants to work with children with special educational needs and difficulties, said: “I started learning basic signs so I could speak with Christian, who is being taught sign language at Rainbow House in Preston.

“He’s been going there for about 18 months, and he’s really picking up the signs. My dream is for Christian, when he’s older, to be in a world where he can talk to whoever he wants, and they’ll be able to understand what he’s trying to say.

“if everyone knows just the basic signs, Christian, and other children and adults who sign, will be able to communicate  through sign, opening up a world of possibilities and new chances for social interaction.”

Jade has also started a government petition for sign language to be taught in all schools as part of the curriculum and be offered as a GCSE in all high schools and is awaiting an outcome.