Project

My name is Laura Atherton. I am a student at the University of Central Lancashire in my final year studies of BA (Hons) Deaf Studies and Sociology (2002). Although my degree title gives no relevance to the media, I have been studying media (both practical and theory) since I was 14 years old, at GCSE level, A-Level and at university academic level.

Throughout my time at university, I met different people with their own views about the representation of the Deaf community in the media. When the team of the Jack Ashley Millennium Awards came to my university to give a talk and encourage us to apply for an award, I began to wonder what I should seize the opportunity. But what dream could I pursue? How could I benefit the community?

I thought about my experience and knowledge in media and came up with the idea of making a 30 minute video showing what could be broadcast on a Deaf Channel, if there ever is going to be one. The Sample Deaf Channel Video would consist of several short programmes.

Although I got the award in March 2002, I did not actually start the project until June 2002 due to my studies at university.

Special thanks go to:

Sally Reynolds and Paul Neal in the Jack Ashley Millennium Team for giving me the opportunity to widen my ambitions.

My parents and my boyfriend, Oliver Eadsforth, for their support and encouragement.

Remark! for helping me to make this video.

And finally, Jonathan Raperport for designing this website at short notice!

Other thanks go to:

Jen Dodds - Gavin Lilley - Katy Wood - Yen Hai Lieu - Richard Collins - Jonathan Nelson - Hayley Lafferty - Janet Young - Rozwanna Banaris - Michelle Sutton - Darryl Marshall - Steven McMahon - Nick Cash - Arbab Hussain - James McLean - Claire Perdomo - Clare Heaton - Jessica Maryan - John Kamitsis - Marc Woodall

And not forgetting those who helped out as extras.