Toddler Ebubechukwu struggles with speech, but is no longer lost for words
The Family Sign at Home project didn’t just support deaf children – it made a life-changing impact on little Ebubechukwu Matthews, who is non-verbal. Learning a few basic signs has given him a way to connect with his family for the first time.
Two-year-old Ebubechukwu often felt frustrated by his inability to make his parents and older siblings understand him.
When a social worker recommended the Family Sign at Home project, it turned out to be transformative – giving the whole family a new way to connect and understand each other.
Mum Chinonyerem Eghwrudje said: “We don’t know why Ebubechukwu isn’t talking, but he was having tantrums and getting very upset that he couldn’t tell us what he wanted.
“He is too little to take an active part in the sessions himself but myself and his two siblings participated and so we are teaching him over time.
“We started with simple signs like ‘eat’, ‘drink’, and ‘nappy’,” Chinonyerem continued. “Now, when we use those signs and he responds, you can see he’s pleased. It’s like he’s finally being heard.”
The project gave the fail the tools to break down communication barriers in a loving and familiar environment.
It’s helped the whole family,” Chinonyerem added.
“His siblings are proud when he learns something new, and it’s brought us all closer. We’re so grateful for the support – it’s made a huge difference in our lives.”
Ebubechukwu starts nursery in September, and Chinonyerem hopes that his ability to sign will help ease the transition.
“It gives me comfort to know he has a way to express himself,” she said. “He might still struggle with speech, but he won’t be completely lost for words anymore.”
For families like this, the Family Sign at Home project has opened the door to a new world of understanding – proving that even the simplest signs can lead to the most meaningful connections.