Ellen Watson was born with hearing impairments, and then at 15 she began losing her sight and was diagnosed with Usher Syndrome, a rare condition that causes progressive sight and hearing loss, but despite the challenges her condition has presented Ellen has thrived, achieving excellent results in her GCSEs and A-Levels and is now studying at The University of Sheffield. Ellen is a committed and inspirational campaigner and fundraiser for charities such as Sense and Guide Dogs, and she works hard to raise awareness of Usher Syndrome and deafblindness. She also works as a teaching assistant with children with sight and hearing loss and has provided inspiration to many young people struggling to come to terms with their condition.
At the start of December Ellen Watson was shortlisted for a national award by deafblind charity Sense in the category of ‘Young Deafblind Person of the Year’ for being a champion for people with sight and hearing impairments.
I feel really touched to have been nominated by my family and friends and then to have been shortlisted. It’s been a rocky four years since I was diagnosed, but thanks to amazing support from my family, my awesome mum, great friends and charities like Sense, it has not stopped me achieving what I set out to do.
Being at uni in Sheffield, letting my hair down like any other 20 year old, having the freedom to do what I want on my terms, laughing and smiling are some of the things I will never take for granted, and will be forever grateful for. It is thanks to the tireless campaigning of charities like Sense that I have the opportunity to live a life as fulfilling as any other 20 year old, so thank you!
About Sense
Sense is a national charity that has supported and campaigned for children and adults who are deafblind for 60 years. There are currently around 250,000 deafblind people in the UK. Sense provides specialist information, advice and services to deafblind people, their families, carers and the professionals who work with them.
https://twitter.com/Sensetweets
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