| Description | Biographical History:
Sarah Connellan, born in Birmingham in 1975, relocated to Derby at the age of 22. She is a primary school teacher at Langley Mill Academy, which includes a specialist resource for deaf children. Her professional and personal life has been shaped by her interest in British Sign Language (BSL) and inclusive communication. Sarah is married and has two children: one who is deaf, and one who is hearing.
Scope and Content:
The interview explores Sarah Connellan’s personal history, family life, and experiences raising a deaf child. Topics include her upbringing in a quiet village, her educational background, and her career in inclusive education. Sarah discusses her son birth complications, early diagnosis of deafness, and the family’s journey through baby signing, cochlear implants, and community support. She reflects on the emotional and practical aspects of parenting, including the use of BSL, sensory books, and music in the home. The interview also touches on broader themes such as identity within the deaf community, parental decision-making, and inclusive family practices. Sarah co-founded a baby sing and sign group and participated in community events supporting deaf children and their families. |