Shameless Actor Speaks Out in Ealing

Deaf star returns to the borough to share his experiences

A deaf actor who stars in the Channel 4 series ‘Shameless’ has taken centre stage at an event aimed at helping school pupils in Ealing speak out.

Louis Kissaun, who plays Danny in the award-winning drama, addressed 120 pupils – including 40 with disabilities – at Ealing Council’s annual “Powerful Voices” children’s conference on Friday, 3 July.

Kissaun is a former pupil of Gifford Primary School’s Hearing Impaired Unit and returned to the borough to share his experiences of living with deafness.

His speech was part of a day-long programme of interactive workshops and presentations aimed at raising awareness of disabled pupils’ needs and helping young people speak out effectively on issues important to them.

Ealing Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Ian Gibb, said: “The council is serious about listening to young people and encouraging them to be actively involved in the services that affect them.

“Over the years, the Powerful Voices conference has become a valuable platform for local pupils to speak out and influence council policy. This is particularly the case for pupils with special needs and disabilities who often face even greater challenges in making themselves heard.”

July 13, 2009