A DEAF schoolboy has made a heartfelt appeal to Boris Johnson over face masks.

Austin Goddard has written to the Prime Minister and sent him a video message.

The 11-year-old, who lives in Lancing, says visors and face masks which cover people’s mouths make it impossible for him to lip read.

This leaves him feeling lonely and unable to understand people, he said.

So he has appealed to Mr Johnson to encourage people to use see-through face masks and visors to help those who are deaf.

 

It follows announcements last week by the Government that people travelling on public transport must wear a mask from Monday.

Austin’s appeal is part of a campaign organised by the National Deaf Children’s Society.

In his letter Austin said: “Dear Boris Johnson, I am writing yo you to help me to encourage everyone to try their best to use see-through masks and visors.

“I have to lip-read to understand what anyone is saying and so do a lot of my friends. The masks that cover up mouths are awful. I don’t like them and they make me feel sad and lonely because I can’t understand what anybody is saying.

“I also find them very scary. It’s important for deaf people to see lips and I’d like everyone to wear a see-through mask.”

The Argus:

Austin’s mother Justine backed his call.

She said: “I’m very proud of Austin for raising this important issue, but I’m also sad that in this day and age, a child has to raise something that should already be in place.

“Deaf people rely on lip-reading and facial expressions and a smile can speak a thousand words.

“If we make clear masks available, at the very least for key workers, it will make a world of difference.”

The Argus:

National Deaf Children’s Society’s Government relations adviser Sally Etchells said: “This is a hugely important issue for deaf people across the country and it’s great to see young people like Austin picking up the fight.

“If face masks become widespread and none of them are transparent, deaf people will face months of misery as they struggle to understand what’s being said to them, putting them at an even higher risk of isolation and loneliness at a critical time.

“This issue needs to be addressed urgently and we hope the Government acts swiftly.

“Millions of deaf people across the country are depending on it.”