A DEAF pupil from Penarth has helped create a special poster to mark the 2010 Deaf Awareness Week.

Poppy Parritt, aged 11, drew one of the images featured on the new National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) Cymru poster, which has been sent to every school in Wales.

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, entitled 'Get deaf aware!'

Poppy, a pupil at Fairfield Primary in Penarth, said: “I drew a picture of things that are noisy, as it is hard for me to hear when there is lots of noise.

“It is important for people to be deaf aware because we want everyone to join in and we don’t want deaf people to be left out.

“My best deaf awareness tips would be not to shout or talk too loud and to make sure that deaf people can see your face when you speak.”

Poppy was diagnosed with moderate to severe hearing loss when she was just 12 months old, and was subsequently fitted with hearing aids.

Jayne Dulson, Director of NDCS Cymru, said: “I am immensely grateful to Poppy 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.

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

Deaf Awareness Week runs from June 28 to July 4.