At MSDP, we are always on the lookout for ways to enhance the lives of the d/Deaf and Hard of hearing community. Recently, we received a generous donation of signing puppets from HearFirst, a fantastic Deaf-led organisation who deliver workplace training, who also helped to develop our fantastic Deaf Awareness e-learning course! We are thrilled to share how these puppets found new homes in local schools and charities, spreading joy, education and inclusion.
The signing puppets, created to help teach sign language in an engaging and interactive way, were an invaluable gift to our charity. Their unique ability to communicate through the hand movements of sign language makes learning accessible and enjoyable for children, particularly those who are just beginning to explore Deaf culture and sign language.
Once the puppets arrived at MSDP, it was time for our Family Project Lead, Becki, to distribute them to our partners that work closely with the d/Deaf community. We worked with a network of caregivers, educators, and community leaders to ensure these puppets would reach the children and families who would benefit most from their use.
Among the recipients was Knotty Ash Primary School, which is home to Liverpool’s only primary resourced provision for deaf children. From the moment they arrived, the puppets were warmly welcomed, with children eager to interact and explore the potential for communication. They immediately began communicating through the puppets and were even given their own sign name!
In addition, we also partnered with a variety of charities, including Deafness Resource Centre and Deaf Active. These organisations have seen firsthand the difference that sign language can make in breaking down communication barriers. The signing puppets offer an exciting opportunity for children attending their programmes to practice signing and have fun at the same time!
The response from both the schools and charities was overwhelmingly positive. Many of the teachers and charity leaders shared how excited the children were to use the puppets, helping bring sign language to life in an interactive and playful way.
The joy and gratitude expressed by our recipients is a reminder of the incredible impact that simple acts of kindness and generosity can have in building a more inclusive and communicative world. As we reflect on the success of this donation, we’re reminded of the importance of collaboration and community. The signing puppets not only provide a
practical tool for language learning but also serve as a bridge that connects children, teachers, and families through the shared experience of communication.
We are deeply grateful to our donors who made this gift possible, and we are excited to see how these signing puppets continue to inspire and educate in the years to come.
