In 2020, Tyrese Dibba wanted to make a change for those who were Deaf and hard-of-hearing. Tyrese himself is Deaf and also has partial vision loss, resulting from his CHARGE syndrome. So he teamed up with Sense Sign School and released videos designed to help people learn British Sign Language (BSL). For Tyrese, it was important to make the pandemic into a more connective period – to find ways to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, was able to speak with and interact with others. This was an incredibly important mission, particularly during such an isolating period! 

Altogether, reports the BBC, Tyrese’s videos were watched over 80,000 times. Now, Tyrese has joined the team at Sense Sign School – as Head Teacher Mr. Tyrese – to continue sharing his passion for communication and BSL and raising awareness in the wider community. 

What is Sense Sign School?

On its website, Sense Sign School describes itself as an organization designed for everyone living with complex disabilities or everyone who is deafblind so that people can better communicate and experience the world. The School shares:

We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfill their potential. [At Sense,] we offer personalized and flexible services for everyone who needs us, for as long as they need us – providing early intervention for children, helping young people access education, and supporting the transition into adulthood and beyond.

Sense Sign School also offers family support and events, campaigns for the rights of those with disabilities, and has various arts, sports, and personal programs to enhance people’s lives. 

In Tyrese’s class, just £10 a month ($13) will get you access to monthly lessons on BSL, as well as great teachers like George Cook – an 18-year-old who also has CHARGE syndrome – so that you can learn how to converse with others, as well as learn words for animals, weather, hobbies, and more. 

About CHARGE Syndrome

CHARGE syndrome is a rare multisystem disorder caused by spontaneous CD7 mutations or chromosome 8 alterations which occurs during early fetal development. This rare genetic disorder is named for: Coloboma and cranial nerve defects, Heart defects, Atresia of the choanae, Retardation of growth and development, Genital underdevelopment, and Ear abnormalities and sensorineural hearing loss. The CHARGE Syndrome Foundation explains that these features are not always used now in making a diagnosis, but explains the diagnostic process here. 

CHARGE syndrome is incredibly variable. Potential symptoms include:

• A cleft lip or palate
• Photophobia (light sensitivity)
• Asymmetric facial nerve palsy
• Heart defects
• Blocked or narrow nasal passages
• An abnormal wind pipe
• Coloboma (cleft or failure to close the eyeball during fetal development)
  • Macula, optic nerve, or retinal abnormalities
  • Very small eyes or missing eyes
  • Significant vision loss
  • Problems with depth perception
• Sleep apnea
• Poor growth
• Upper body weakness
• Decreased sense of smell
• Kidney abnormalities
• Difficulty swallowing
• CHARGE ear

Learn more about CHARGE syndrome.