A young man from Morecambe has taken centre stage at a national conference thanks to his "exceptional" sign language skills.
Sean Ward has Down's Syndrome, was born with significant hearing loss and has also experienced problems with his eyesight.
But the inspirational 22-year-old has overcome these challenges to become an advocate for Makaton signing, a communication method he has not only mastered but also teaches to others.
Recently Sean opened the Salutem Care and Education National Managers' Conference at the University of Warwick (below), captivating the audience with his signing skills.
Salutem Care and Education is a national provider of care, support and education to individuals with complex needs, including those with a learning disability, autism, mental ill health and physical disabilities.
After the conference Sean and his mother, Caroline, were treated to tickets for the critically acclaimed Take That musical 'Greatest Days'.
Sean has been a student at Beaumont College in Lancaster for the past three years, where he has served on the student council and been a member of the signing choir.
As part of the Sign Out Loud choir, who translate songs using Makaton signs to make music more accessible to all, he performed at the recent Lancaster Pride event in Dalton Square.
Here is Sean and the Sign Out Loud team with singer and reality TV star Kerry Katona at Lancaster Pride. Photo from the Sign Out Loud Facebook page.
Posted by Sign Out Loud on Sunday, June 25, 2023
Sean also plays the drums in the Baybeat band in Morecambe.
"I couldn't be prouder of Sean and all that he has achieved," said Sean's mum Caroline.
"Beaumont College has provided him with an amazing experience, treating him as an adult and allowing him to flourish into the wonderful young man he is today. Despite his difficult start in life, where he was dependent on oxygen and had no hearing, he has defied the odds and become an inspiration to us all."
John Godden, chief executive of Salutem Care and Education, said: “I wholeheartedly congratulate Sean on his exceptional accomplishments, celebrate his indomitable spirit and the positive impact he continues to make on everyone he meets."
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