A seven-year-old deafblind girl has been shortlisted for a national charity’s ‘Young Person of the Year’ Award in recognition of the incredible progress she’s made in recent years, learning to eat, sign and speak.
Charlotte Walker was diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome, which affects all of her senses, at just a few days old. Her mum, Vanessa, 46, didn’t know if Charlotte would ever be able to do things like eat, drink, communicate and walk on her own. But Charlotte – who uses a Bone Anchored Hearing Aid – has made huge progress since those early days.
She’s been supported by the charity Sense’s MSI, or multi-sensory impairment, team since October 2018, when Charlotte was just eight months old, receiving support both in the family home and in the charity’s hub in Loughborough. In that time, the charity has supported Charlotte and her mum to learn key Makaton signs together, so the pair could communicate and understand each other better. This supported the development of speech, which Charlotte now uses alongside signing. Charlotte and her family recently fronted a fundraising campaign for Sense this year, helping the charity to raise money for its community hubs, including the Loughborough Hub.
Charlotte, who lives with her parents, brother and sister and her pet dog, Copper, has had a milestone year. At Easter time, Charlotte, who was recently diagnosed with epilepsy, communicated to her family a newfound determination to be more independent.Charlotte’s increased independence, particularly with her self-care skills, has been life changing and so positive. As a way for Charlotte to focus on the progress she’s making, her parents set up a reward system. Each positive day earns her a ‘star’ in her rocket.
In deciding what her reward would be for two weeks of progress, Charlotte wanted to buy a dolly. Charlotte’s family were surprised, because she’s had a lifelong fear of baby dolls and visibly shakes when near one. However, Charlotte decided she wanted to overcome her fear and the family visited their local toy shop to buy her a new doll, which Charlotte named Hannah. Though she was initially shaking in the aisle at the toy shop, once the family brought Hannah home for the rest of the day Charlotte was a complete natural, looking after her dolly with pride. Charlotte’s now saving up for more stars for a cot bed for Hannah.
Vanessa has also observed her daughter showing more emotional intelligence this year, apologising to others for her mistakes and taking ownership. She has really developed a deeper understanding of the consequences of her behaviour.
Charlotte’s incredible progress hasn’t gone unnoticed at Sense – the national charity that supports disabled people with complex needs – as she is now up for the charity’s ‘Young Person of the Year’ Award.
You can find out more about the Sense Awards on the charity’s website: www.sense.org.uk/sense-awards