Let’s all sign up to help Oliver

AS little Oliver Bosch has got older he has gradually begun to feel more disconnected from the world around him.

The Tayside 10-year-old is profoundly deaf, and has faced a series of gruelling operations in his short life (see pages 12&13).

But he has a message for the world – just because you can’t hear doesn’t mean you can’t interact.

Mum Jemma describes Oliver as “a tough little cookie”.

Given what he has been through, that sounds rather like a dramatic understatement. Oliver is well aware he is different, and has already faced more trauma than many would encounter in a lifetime, but he remains determined to make the most of his situation.

Isolation is a very real concern, but learning just a few words in sign language can help children like Oliver feel much more connected to the world.

It isn’t a lot to ask – and could just make a huge difference.