Hands On, a tv program produced and presented in Irish Sign Language and shown on local television, recently broadcast the story of Cyril Axelrod.
According to the program description, Cyril Axelrod was born deaf and lost his sight as a result of Usher Syndrome but continues to live independently, travelling the globe doing charity work for others. Cyril communicates in 15 languages, is a qualified massage therapist and the only Deafblind priest in the world.
The Forest Bookshop, in promoting Axeldrod’s book “And the Journey Begins”, says “Created via a combination of sign language, tactile communication and Braille, Fr Cyril Axelrod tells the story of his remarkable life and work.
“Born profoundly deaf into an Orthodox Jewish hearing family in South Africa, he tells of his early childhood, family life and schooldays, when it was hard to communicate fully with his parents. After a wrenching spiritual journey in early adulthood, he was baptised into the Catholic Church and trained for the priesthood.”He tells of his pastoral ministry in many parts of the world with deaf and deafblind people, in which he has used over eight different indigenous sign languages. He describes how, defying the rules of apartheid, he established a multi-racial school for deaf children in Soweto, set up a hostel for deaf homeless people in Pretoria, and pioneered an employment centre in Cape Town.
“Undeterred by the devastating diagnosis of Usher syndrome that has led to his blindness, he continues to work tirelessly for others in Britain. His work and his love for all people transcend disability, colour, creed and faith. A man of spirituality, gentleness, compassion, leadership and vision, he is an ambassador for all deaf and deafblind people. This fascinating story told with remarkable humanity and humour will surely give inspiration to many and provide an enlightening and enjoyable read for everyone.”
The video interview on YouTube can be seen at www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX9CEu4AvR4&feature=player_embedded#
Information on the book – www.forestbookshop.com/pages/Categories/0946252556.html
