"Makaton symbols and signs are used in Something Special to help encourage communication in young children and and to help develop their language in a fun and exciting way.
"We have reviewed our complaints since January 2006 and cannot find a single complaint that suggests that viewers have misinterpreted, or been offended by, the Makaton signs used in Something Special.
"The programme has been independently reviewed by experts - including Margaret Walker, the co-founder of Makaton - and none support the allegation that the greeting 'happy to see you', signed by presenter Justin Fletcher, could be perceived as a swear word, as The Sun alleges.
"CBeebies always has a Makaton expert present during recordings of Something Special, to ensure the highest professional standards. The series is highly regarded and has been awarded two Royal Television Society educational TV awards.
"Justin Fletcher is recognised in the television industry and throughout the voluntary sector as someone of outstanding professionalism and dedication and we believe that his work deserves better than this cheap and unjustified slur."
The following are typical examples of feedback from parents about this programme:
"Something Special is absolutely fantastic. You would not believe the marked improvement in my two-year-old's speech and language skills. My son has Down's Syndrome and just loves these programmes."
"Fantastic programme - well done. My four-year-old son is autistic and has communication difficulties. After watching these programmes and taking part in the sign language he began to actually make more of an effort to communicate."
"More more please! My four-year-old son has Down's Syndrome and he loves it. He sings and signs along."
The following statements have been issued in support of Something Special:
Brian Lamb, Director of Communications at RNID, says: "RNID agrees with the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ that the signs used in the programme were not a sexual swear word.
"RNID is happy to work with the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ to ensure that its programmes are fully accessible to deaf children and welcomes the fact that the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ has an excellent record in promoting access for deaf and hard of hearing people."
Chris Underwood, Head of Communications, National Deaf Children's Society, says: "The allegation that the presenter in question is signing an expletive is totally untrue.
"The National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) works closely with Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Children's and commends the organisation for being committed to making its content accessible to all children.
"By using a range of different formats across children's programming, and doing so in consultation with deaf children themselves, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Children's is continuing to set the example that other broadcasters should follow."
Printable version