My journey


Who am I?
Who am I?
I’m pleased to introduce Cédric Cannone.
I’m deaf, an activist and a writer, born in Poitiers, and I’m 47.
My story is one of resilience in the face of profound challenges. For more than 43 years, I lived in a world deprived of French Sign Language (LSF), whether at school, at home or in society. As a child and then as a young adult, I was distraught, unable to construct my own identity, deaf culture and deaf history. I was forced to live in a hearing society with a culture that didn’t suit me.
Growing up, I was the victim of moral and physical abuse from school, family and society. This deprivation of LSF created a form of invisibility and suffering. This is what we call language deprivation in LSF. A deaf child in a hearing family: a path strewn with pitfalls
A deaf child in a hearing family: invisible challenges
A deaf child in a hearing family: invisible challenges
When a deaf child is born into a hearing family, he or she can quickly feel isolated. Without access to French Sign Language (LSF), they lack the essential tools to communicate, understand and thrive. Although parents are often loving, they don’t always have the knowledge to respond to their child’s specific needs.
At school, the deaf child is often confronted with methods centered on oralization, with the use of LSF limited to moments such as recess. This situation creates considerable confusion: they have to juggle two different syntaxes (oral and signed) while rapidly learning many written words.
This lack of access to a fluent and complete language leads to cognitive problems and developmental delays. These deficiencies impact not only on his academic learning, but also on his ability to interact with others and build his identity. Every day becomes a challenge for this child, as he seeks his place in an environment where the tools to help him succeed and flourish are insufficient.
It allowed me to destroy my emotions, my fundamental needs and my own relationships. But, at the same time, it also forged my determination to act for change. During the Covid-19 pandemic, a time of questioning for many, I decided to transform my experiences into action. It was then that I became an activist. For three years, I isolated myself, putting friends and family aside to devote myself entirely to writing. Alone with myself, I concentrated all my energy and thoughts on this project, with the aim of raising public awareness, sharing my experience and carrying the voice of the unheard.
Between 2020 and 2023, I wrote my two books. Through my books, conferences and website, I hope to raise awareness, help families and encourage concrete action. Together, we can create a world where every deaf child has the tools to reach his or her full potential.
They allow me to convey a message of hope, rebirth and change, by :
- Helping victims,
- Supporting future parents,
- Encouraging the company not to repeat the mistakes of the past.
Since 2023, I have begun to develop new projects, broadening my action to continue to raise awareness and inspire. My commitment has led me to travel to towns and cities across France, where I take part in conferences, public meetings, and set up stands to talk directly with you.
To broaden my message, I’ve created accounts on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. However, these platforms, while useful, don’t always allow full access to my content. That’s why I’ve created this fixed site, to offer a clear, accessible space where you can get to know me better and answer the question, “Who am I?”
My greatest wish:
My greatest wish:
Meet with the President of the Republic to pass on this message: “Listen.”
I wish to represent the deaf community and make heard our urgent need to see French Sign Language (LSF) recognized in the Constitution. This constitutional recognition would guarantee all deaf people in France fundamental rights and an equal place in society.