The Silent Child
1067. Maisie Sly
Maisie Sly, aged 7, from Swindon, starred in the Oscar-winning short film ‘The Silent Child’ and was the youngest delegate at the 2018 Global Disability Summit.
She was invited speak at the DFID summit to share her experiences of her award-winning role playing a profoundly deaf character who lives in silence until a social worker teaches her sign language. Maisie drew on her personal experience of being profoundly deaf to highlight the struggles and loneliness that deaf children can face. This summer the film was screened at DFID’s Global Disability Summit in London and Maisie sat on a Q&A panel afterwards with her father, sharing her experiences to delegates and national media. Maisie also teaches sign language to pupils in her school who do not have hearing problems, so they can all communicate with each other.
Maisie received her award at the Downing Street Christmas lights event, where she met the Prime Minister (pictured below).
In a personal letter to Maisie, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“Through your role in the Oscar-winning short film ‘The Silent Child’, you have become an inspiration to the deaf community. By bravely sharing your personal experiences at this year’s Global Disability Summit, you have raised awareness of the issues that deaf people face. This is a tremendous achievement, particularly at such a young age, and I wish you every success as you continue to highlight the importance of sign language.”
Maisie said:
“It is really cool and brilliant that I’ve got this award – thank you.”
Pictured below: Maisie and her family outside No. 10 Downing Street
