ITV viewers have praised the informative videos
Emmerdale is set to mark Deaf Awareness Week (Monday, May 4 to Sunday, May 10) with the release of four videos. The informative clips feature actress Laura Norton, who plays Kerry Pollard, as she teaches her co-star Mike Parr, who portrays Ross Barton, British Sign Language (BSL).
Laura Norton is married to Heartbeat actor Mark Jordon. The couple share two children who have Usher syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects hearing, vision and balance.
The condition is present from birth but can take years for symptoms to appear and is usually diagnosed in older children or teenagers, according to disability charity Sense.
Speaking of incorporating Deaf Awareness Week onto Emmerdale, Laura said: “I was thrilled when the idea for these videos came up. Deaf Awareness Week is important to us, as both of our children have been diagnosed with hearing loss. And they both wear hearing aids.
“Every deaf person’s experience is different, but one thing that we wanted to do as they got older was learn sign language and teach them to use it as well.
“It’s a wonderful skill to have and it’s a beautiful language and Deaf Awareness Week promotes awareness and inclusivity for the deaf community.
“I’m also hopeful these videos, although a bit of fun, might encourage people to think about learning to sign too.”
Actor Mike Parr was keen to get involved, adding that he was interested in learning after hearing Laura had been taking lessons.
Mike Parr added: “I was only too happy to agree when I was asked to create a video learning how to sign. Laura is one of the nicest, kindest, most warm, and caring people I’ve ever met.
“I was already aware that her two children had Usher Syndrome, and I know how important this is to her and her partner Mark. Laura is a great teacher, and I found our session quite easy to pick up, although I know I’ll have to practice to retain the information.
“My beautiful little daughter attends baby sensory classes where they are learning Makaton, so my family – myself, Izzy, and Susie will definitely try and keep it up as much as possible.
“I strongly believe we should learn sign language at school; it would be valuable and as useful as learning French, German, Spanish, or Latin.
“I’ve loved this experience, and I hope that we could even start a little web series or do a few more instructional videos together. There is a website https://www.british-sign.co.uk/ where you can easily start your BSL journey.”
The videos will be released throughout Deaf Awareness Week.
Emmerdale airs 8pm weeknights on ITV1 and STV or from 7am on ITVX, STV Player and YouTube.
