TV star and campaigner who ‘changed countless lives’ dies aged 19

An “inspirational campaigner” for the rights of non-verbal children has died at the age 19, his family has confirmed.

Jonathan Bryan, from Chippenham, Wiltshire, was born with severe cerebral palsy and failing kidneys. Unable to walk, hold a pen or communicate verbally, he was taught to read at the age of seven, communicating with his eyes using a special board covered with letters.

During his lifetime, he starred in CBBC’s My Life: Locked In Boy documentary and authored several books.

A spokesperson for Jonathan’s charity, Teach Us Too, said: “Jonathan was a remarkable young man whose voice and vision changed countless lives.”

Classed as having Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), his first school placed him on a sensory curriculum – which meant he was not being taught to read or write.

But his mother took him out of school and taught him using an alphabet board.

He then started campaigning for every non-verbal child to be taught to read and write.

“Disabled children with communication issues are not being taught in special schools. They are being babysat,” he previously said.

His petition, created in 2016, calling on the government to reform the special needs curriculum, so that all disabled children had the opportunity to access literacy, has more than 875,000 signatures.

For his campaigning for better educational opportunities for non-verbal children, he received the prestigious Diana Legacy award in 2017.

He released his first book, Eye Can Write in 2018, in which he spoke about how he learned to read and the profound difference it made to his life.

The proceeds went to Jonathan’s charity, Teach Us Too.

He also communicated regularly through his blog, Eye Can Talk, with his final post appearing in December 2024, where he spoke of being accepted onto the Creative Writing course at Bath Spa University.

Teach Us Too, paid further tribute to Mr Bryan, saying he was an “inspiration”.

“We are deeply saddened by the death of our founder.

“His courage, insight, and determination challenged perceptions and championed the rights of children who are too often overlooked.

“He showed the world what is possible when we presume competence and truly listen. As those who loved him and continue his vision, we are honoured to carry his light forward,” a spokesperson said.