A 10-YEAR-OLD boy from Wrexham has helped create a special poster to mark this year’s Deaf Awareness Week.

Leon Wharton-Griffiths, who himself is deaf, drew one of the images featured on the new poster from the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) Cymru, which was sent to every school in Wales last week.

Earlier this year, NDCS Cymru invited deaf children and young people in Wales to send in their ideas of the key things people should know to be deaf aware.

A selection of the entries have been used to create the poster, Get Deaf Aware!

Leon, who goes to Borras Park Junior School, drew a picture of himself playing his violin in front of the school audience.

Leon’s picture shows that deafness does not prevent deaf children from playing a musical instrument.

Leon said: “I think it is very important for people to be deaf aware because if somebody is talking and I can’t see their face, then I won’t understand them at all.

“It’s not fair if other people understand and I don’t.”

Leon was diagnosed as severely deaf when he was one year old, and was subsequently fitted with hearing aids.

Jayne Dulson, director of NDCS Cymru, said: “I am immensely grateful to Leon and all the other children and young people who contributed to the Get Deaf Aware! poster.

“This resource is a fantastic way for schools to better understand the simple but effective deaf awareness tips that can make a crucial difference for deaf pupils.

“Creating an inclusive environment in schools is essential for deaf children, 99 per cent of whom are now being taught in mainstream schools.

“Raising deaf awareness is also important for children with a temporary hearing loss. Indeed, 80 per cent of children will experience temporary hearing loss before they reach the age of ten.

“We encourage all schools to display the poster in a prominent position, learn the tips and become deaf aware!”