Story
David Sigall spent his whole career around the human voice.
As an artist manager for classical musicians – and supporter of many arts organisations -- he helped singers and orchestras to share their music around the world.
Following his diagnosis with a rare neurological condition in 2017, David gradually lost his speech and the ability to move his limbs.
For someone so independent and generous, who loved to entertain, laugh, reminisce and debate with his many friends -- he approached the progressive loss of his speech with breathtaking courage and acceptance.
David did not lose his voice. He discovered many other ways of communicating deeply – initially through word boards, spelling charts, symbols and pictures – and later through eye gaze, sounds, rhythm, eyebrow movements, coughing, gestures, touch and more.
Ever forthright, David continued to express himself and make choices. He was just as beautiful, enchanting and funny in his final years. And, right up until the end of his life, he would convey his understanding, love, appreciation – and disagreement – through the glimmer in his eyes.
A multitude of medical conditions can result in the devastating loss of speech.
Please consider supporting Communication Matters, a charity which helps people to have a voice through alternative ways of communicating (AAC) -- and raises understanding of speech loss.
Karen Sigall
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