Two innovative British parents bring ‘Shakespeare to light’ educating those with autism and special needs. Adele Devine, daughter of British Actor Ian Cullen was raised in a family passionate about Shakespeare.
Her father, a Shakespearean Actor with the Royal Shakespeare Company in England, used to quote Shakespeare to Adele in the way a Mother would sing lullaby’s to settle a baby.
Quentin Devine grew up in Northern Ireland. He was a gifted child and was curious about Shakespeare. He would buy the plays with his pocket money and sneak them past his friends. At home he would read and try to decipher the language. He wanted to understand and know all the stories, but Shakespeare was not easy…
In 1999, Quentin and Adele met in the USA at a camp for adults with learning difficulties. Adele went on to become a teacher of children with learning difficulties and autism and Quentin started to work as an animator and designer. These skills combined, inspired the couple to produce SEN Assist – a company aiming to include ALL children in the ‘Literacy Hour’ through Adele’s specialist teacher training and with Quentin’s art & animation.
With their early life experiences and personal connection to the Literary Art of Shakespeare they realized they could make a change in the way children are introduced to Shakespeare.
By starting the children at a younger age they can tune into the language of Shakespeare and be familiar with the stories and characters before hitting the ‘I’m bored’’ teenage phase. Sourced from their personal life experiences within the direct and rich world of Shakespearean acting embedded in Adele’s family, these young parents of three small children (baby, toddler & child) delved into their new product (with voice over performed by Ian Cullen). A product not only for educators but for parents and families and the general public to enjoy together!
What better time than now to bring this wonderful easy to use product to society, with the 2012 WORLD SHAKESPEAREAN FESTIVAL just around the corner.
Join Adele and Quentin on Naturally Autistic® ANCA® Radio, Autistic People™ – People First, today at 2pm Pacific Standard Time, 10 pm Greenwich Meantime. Post your questions here in the comment area and we will address them for you on the show. Call in number 1-760-825-0903 For more information visit http://www.senassist.com and http://www.naturallyautistic.com
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