RTÉjr broadcast the first ever television series to use manual sign language Lámh, Dizzy Deliveries this October.
In a landmark day for children’s content, this live action series will be the first to give a platform to the thousands of kids that use Lámh daily.
This brand-new homegrown series for children, created by Macalla in collaboration with Lámh for RTÉjr, will broadcast its first episode to coincide with National Lámh Day. Dizzy Deliveries teaches Lámh signs, used by children with intellectual disabilities and other communication challenges, in a fun and interactive way. Each episode features a young person with Down syndrome, Autism, or other communication difficulties, who use Lámh to support their communication and self-expression.
Suzanne Kelly, Head of Children's and Young People's content RTÉ said: “Everyone at RTÉjr is so excited to be involved in commissioning, broadcasting & supporting Dizzy Deliveries, RTÉjr's first ever Lámh series. Diversity and inclusion is at the very core of this project which is so important to RTÉjr. Dizzy Deliveries will both entertain and enable all children to communicate and engage with each other. We hope it will positively promote and normalise the use of Lámh while incorporating the key elements to all good young children’s television – colour, characters, fun and laughter.”
Manager at Lámh, Mary Cullen added: “Difficulties with communication are often hidden and society may not be aware of the supports that people use, to help with communication. A TV show like Dizzy Deliveries can help society to see that there are lots of different supports that people use to communicate in Ireland, including Lámh. Children who benefit from Lámh will now see other children on TV, who communicate just like they do, which can help them to recognise just how capable they are.”
RTÉjr’s Dizzy Deliveries follows Joe the Delivery man, played by much-loved magician Joe Daly and Ozzy his robot side-kick on their adventures. Lámh tutor Deirdre Coleman plays the character of Aisling, who gives Joe his daily jobs and teaches Lámh to the viewers. Audiences will join Joe on his zany adventures delivering packages to children across Ireland.
The first episode of Dizzy Deliveries aired on RTÉjr last Wednesday, October 19 at 09.50am and repeats at 12.10pm and 4.30pm each weekday thereafter on RTÉjr and RTÉ player. Dizzy Deliveries is directed by renowned BAFTA award winning writer and director Nia Ceidiog, whose writing credits include the original Fireman Sam series. Nia was producer and director of the hugely acclaimed Something Special series with Mr. Tumble for CBeebies.
The catchy theme tune for Lámh is written and performed by award winning actor and performer Maria Doyle Kennedy and actor, composer, and producer Kieran Kennedy.
Dizzy Deliveries was produced by Macalla for RTÉjr with support from the BAI Sound and Vision fund. It was filmed throughout the country in locations such as Dublin Zoo, Howth Cookery School, Blarney Castle, Dunshaughlin Fire Station and Laytown Beach.
