A Message From Artist Siouxsie
I want this poster to stand out and speak out loud. Art gives me a voice.
I hope people can relate to it and are interested to find out more.
I want it to help to make a difference.
DLD is not just about kids. It is for LIFE, and the older you get, the harder it gets.
It doesn’t just disappear when you turn 18. (When this happens, you are suddenly meant to be an adult and be able to do everything on your own. But you are still battling with words and language every day, and now the words are even more complicated).
Watch how Siouxsie created the 2024 Speak Up for DLD poster.
You may need to pause the video to read the text on each slide as there is a lot of detail that was too good not to include.
I want EVERYONE to know about DLD:
- Headteachers
- Governor’s
- Teachers
- Lecturers
- Child minders
- Nursery staff
- TA’s
- Dr’s
- All types of Reception staff
- NHS
- Local Authorities
- Parents
- Students
- Kids
- Nurseries
- Schools
- SENDcos
- Colleges
- Universities
- Managers
- Retail staff
- Hospitality staff
- Politicians
- Job Centres
- Social Workers
- Psychologists
- Psychiatrists
- Educational Psychologists
- Occupational Therapists
- Councellors
- MP’s
- Prisons
- Carers
- Police Officers
- Tourist attractions
- Paramedics
- Police
- Judges……………and on and on……
This is because people like me, with DLD, are so vulnerable and misunderstood and lonely. No wonder a lot of us end up in trouble, depressed, unemployed or in prison.
Even with help,( and I am one of the lucky ones!), life is still really hard because EVERYTHING, EVERYDAY requires COMMUNICATION, LISTENING, UNDERSTANDING & TALKING…. It never ends, and there is no break from it. It is SO overwhelming….and exhausting.
Embroidery is good for me because I can escape from all of this noise and stress for a while. It is slow and you do it quietly. You do not need to talk. You can be expressive with it – by what you choose; fabrics, beads, threads, buttons, trims, ribbons, techniques etc….. There is something very nice about working with your hands and embroidery threads. The way it glides, once it’s through the needle and you pull it through, is very satisfying. I like the way you have to concentrate and focus, but you are in the moment.
If you struggle with DLD or any other SLCN, you should give it a go….. Or anything creative!!!! Dance, photography, pottery, poetry, music, art, etc.
Siouxsie, Webster, artist and a young adult with DLD
Loved the video explaining all the work that went into making the poster. It’s excellent, bright, eye catching and informative. Brilliant work Siouxsie.
Fascinating to see how you created this Siouxsie. A meaningful, accomplished and skillful work of art. Well done!