AN_p24_p25_eddiepea_40+44_AN107_Long.QXD 30/12/2021 10:44 Page 1
Eddie Hello again, Here is a cryptic puzzle for you… CAN YOU find the link between the first record player, a revolutionary American educator, a drummer who does not wear shoes, the anthem of the European Union, a rubber bat with no head and an attractive young actor and dancer? On reflection, that looks a little too obscure, so here is a slightly less complex question with the same answer! What do these 7 people have in common? Thomas Edison, Helen Keller, Evelyn Glennie, The EU, Ludwig van Beethoven, Ozzie Osbourne and Rose Ayling Ellis. LEFT THE EASIER ones till the end, and you may have worked out the answer by now. In case you didn’t, I will reveal all. The link between these seemingly disconnected names and facts is deafness. These people are, or in some cases were, deaf. They also achieved a certain amount of fame through their skills and abilities despite this adversity. Incredible as it may seem, Thomas Edison, inventor of the first phonograph was partially deaf! I can only suggest that inventing the first machine to amplify music must have been quite a challenge. Helen Keller who became deaf, blind and mute at the age of 18 months went on to become a remarkable educator, disability activist and author. The “shoeless” drummer, is Evelyn Glennie who despite her deafness is one of the world`s leading percussionists. Whilst performing with the most prestigious orchestras she does not wear shoes, as having bare feet enables
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her to feel the vibrations of her drum strokes. The Ode to Joy which was adopted as an “all embracing” anthem for the European Union was written by a profoundly deaf Ludwig Van Beethoven. Depending on your age and musical taste Ozzie Osbourne could be known to you for his years as the outrageous lead singer for Black Sabbath. He also became infamous for biting the head off a bat during a lively concert some years back. Years of heavy metal music has, it seems, understandably rendered him partially deaf. The subject of deafness was recently brought into the glare of public attention following the remarkable performance of the actor Rose Ayling Ellis during Strictly Come Dancing. Her abilities conquering intricate dance routines despite her hearing problems, displayed remarkable determination and courage. Like Evelyn Glennie, she also apparently feels the musical vibrations through her bare feet. Another reason for investigating this subject has been my own increasing difficulty hearing. Watching recent films on TV, it seems that many modern actors spend too much time mumbling. I have no problem when watching older films with the likes of David Niven who spoke very clearly! There must be a message there somewhere. I have to admit, however, that the advancing years are making it obvious that my hearing is beginning to fail. Whilst selective deafness can be very helpful when dodging instructions from my dearly beloved wife, the issue is becoming increasingly important. I am not alone. According to the RNID, 11 million people in the UK
Eddie Peacock has worked in the mobility industry for “rather a long time”. He enjoyed a challenging career having started by selling wheelchairs, scooters and stairlifts for Sunrise Medical, eventually working his way to the position of UK sales manager. After a period as a self-employed consultant he was invited to manage movingpeople.net, then Handicare Ltd, in
Ability Needs Magazine
