the rose effect
How One Journey Sparked a Movement
For the love of dance & all things Strictly
When Rose Ayling-Ellis became the first deaf contestant – and winner – of Strictly Come Dancing, she didn’t just make history; she ignited a revolution.
Her performances captivated millions, showcasing the beauty of deaf culture and sign language on a national stage.
the impact was immediate, and profound
Interest in British Sign Language courses surged by 4000% during her time on the show.
Thousands of families of deaf children sought free BSL lessons, with over 27,000 applications submitted.
For the first time, many began to see deafness not as a limitation but as a unique and powerful identity.
The RAE Foundation builds on this momentum, turning awareness into action. We’re here to ensure the legacy of “The Rose Effect” transforms lives for years to come—breaking barriers, fostering inclusion, and making BSL accessible to families who need it most.
Why It Matters
Deaf children face significant challenges that hearing children rarely encounter. Most deaf children – 90% to be exact – are born to hearing parents who have little or no knowledge of deafness or sign language. Without early access to communication tools like BSL, many deaf children experience language deprivation, leading to:
Delayed emotional, cognitive, and social development
Isolation and feelings of exclusion within their families and communities
Lasting impacts on mental health and well-being
Language development starts at birth, and the first years of life are critical. Yet for many families, accessing BSL is prohibitively expensive or unavailable.
Dr Juia Terry
an expert in deaf education, emphasizes:
Without access to sign language, deaf children are often left out, leading to loneliness and lasting impacts on their mental health.
Our Commitment
The RAE Foundation stands as a beacon of hope for deaf children and their families. Inspired by Rose’s story, we aim to bridge the gap by:
Providing grants for BSL courses and financial support so families can connect with their children.
Supporting projects that bring deaf communities together and promote inclusion.
Together, we can ensure that every deaf child grows up in a world where they are seen, heard, and celebrated.
Donna
Why We Exist
Deaf children deserve access to the same opportunities as their hearing peers. Yet, 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents who often have little knowledge of deafness or sign language.
Without access to BSL, many children face language deprivation, leading to lifelong challenges in emotional, cognitive, and social development. This gap is unacceptable—and we’re here to close it.