Charity and leading awarding body for British Sign Language (BSL) - Signature - is urging the nation to vote for unsung heroes and community groups which are committed to creating a society which is accessible to deaf and deafblind people.
Following a UK-wide search, the shortlist for the Community Spirit award in the 2013 Signature Annual Awards has been announced, and for the first time in the history of the Awards, judging has been taken out of the panel’s hands.
Members of the public are asked to choose from four shortlisted nominees, Richard Weinbaum and the Deaf Sports Personality of the Year (DSPY) team, Gerry Hughes, The Child Deaf Youth Project (CDYP) and Hands 4 Voices.
Richard Weinbaum selflessly devotes his time, skills and money to support Deaf sport, and travels across the UK to watch and capture on film Deaf sporting events. His work with the DSPY team is vital because there is no Deaf Sports news to keep people up to date with the sporting achievements of Deaf athletes who represent Great Britain. The athletes work just as hard to reach their peak performance levels as hearing athletes do. However, their notable achievements are often ignored by the public and they struggle to find funding to continue with their chosen sport. Richard has vowed to never give up his efforts to break down the barriers faced by Deaf athletes. His tireless work has enabled many athletes to achieve their dreams and to be recognised for their achievements
Gerry Hughes is the first Deaf person to have circumnavigated the world via the five great capes in his boat, Quest III. He wanted to show that Deaf people can do whatever they set out to do, and encourage Deaf people to believe in themselves. Throughout his journey, Gerry’s wife lovingly posted weekly updates on his amazing and sometimes life-threatening voyage, building up a tremendous unity throughout the Deaf community, with millions of messages posted on Facebook. Deaf and hearing people alike posted weather reports, updates, video clips, translations, photographs, paintings and stories to show their support. Fundraising events were organised to support the voyage, and it attracted followers of all ages from more than 50 countries, communicating in numerous different languages, including signed languages.
The Child Deaf Youth Project provides specialist support, across the Tees Valley region. They make it possible for the very small minority of deaf youngsters in the area to achieve their potential and live full and independent lives. The youngsters are given a chance to build relationships, have fun, learn new skills, share exciting experiences and communicate in their first language.
One parent, whose child has benefited from the work that CDYP are doing, said: "My son loved the various sports with other deaf children and learned many new things on trips with CDYP. He previously relied on family to accompany him to doctor and hospital appointments etc. He is now confident enough to go alone using public transport, even having the confidence to go to the bank himself to explain the cash machine had swallowed his card. CDYP has given him this confidence and he is now more sensible through their help in developing his social skills.”
Hands 4 Voices is a signing choir which was formed in July 2011. They started with just 16 choir members and now have 50, with a waiting list of people who would like to join. The choir is made up of a mixture of Deaf, partially deaf and hearing people who work together to make it the success it is.
Since the choir was formed in 2011, they have visited many local schools, helping to raise awareness of how Deaf people can have access to, and appreciate music. They have raised more than £6,000 for charity. Last year they donated nearly £2,000 to Essex Deaf Children's Society (EDCS). The money was used for many different events and activities. One young boy was able to attend a football coaching course with a donation which paid for a BSL/English interpreter for him. Another group of Deaf children attended a Christmas party, paid for with the donations.
Jim Edwards, Signature chief executive, said: “The Signature annual Awards are now in their fifth year, and we would like the nation to be involved in choosing the deserving winners.
“This shortlist really shows the great things that can be achieved when Deaf and hearing people work together.. It’s truly inspirational. Selection will be tough, but I hope that the public get involved and take the time to vote.”
The winner will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony to be held in London this November.
With categories for Teacher of the Year, Learner of the Year, Community Spirit, Organisational Achievement, Young Learner of the Year, Centre of the Year, Communication Professional of the Year and the Joseph Maitland Robinson Award for Outstanding Contribution, the Signature Annual Awards is a night of celebration and recognition.
With more than 10 million people in the UK living with some degree of hearing loss, Signature is committed to working with both Deaf and hearing people to understand the issues faced, and provide qualifications which will actively break down those communication barriers.
