Signature Awards - 1 month to go

Less than one month to go until prestigious deaf and deafblind awards

One of the most hotly anticipated events in the deaf and deafblind calendar, the 2013 Signature Annual Awards, is less than a month away.

Organised by charity and leading awarding body for deaf communications Signature, the annual awards – which are now in their fifth year - celebrate the achievements of individuals, organisations and community groups from across the UK, who are striving to break down the barriers between deaf and hearing people.

This year’s event will be hosted by esteemed business journalist and popular breakfast television personality Steph McGovern, at London’s prestigious Bloomsbury Ballroom on 15 November.

After a UK-wide search, 42 candidates have been shortlisted for the awards. Nominees as young as five will feature in categories such as Learner of the Year, Young Learner of the Year, Communication Professional of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Organisational Achievement, Centre of the Year, Community Spirit and the Joseph Maitland Robinson Award for Outstanding Contribution.

As well as being the leading awarding body for nationally recognised qualifications in deaf communications, Signature acts as a lobbying organisation, campaigning for changes in public policy and greater awareness of the communication issues deaf and deafblind people face every day.

Jim Edwards, Signature Chief Executive, said: “There are more than 10 million people in Britain who are deaf or have a hearing loss; however the number of people actively learning how to communicate with them doesn’t reflect this figure.

“It is Signature’s vision to create a fully open and accessible society for deaf and deafblind people.

“The Signature Annual Awards honour those individuals and organisations who give their time, energy, experience and commitment in making an impact on the lives of deaf and deafblind people.

“I’m sure their stories will serve as an inspiration to others.”

For the first time in the Signature Annual Awards history, the Community Spirit award is open to public vote, with people casting their ballot via Signature’s website. Voting is open until midnight on 14 November.

Members of the public are invited to choose from four shortlisted nominees:

·         Richard Weinbaum and the Deaf Sports Personality of the Year Team.

·         Gerry Hughes – The first profoundly deaf man to sail solo around the world.

·         Child Deaf Youth Project – A Teesside-based project enabling deaf children to live more active and fulfilling lives.

·         Hands 4 Voices – An Essex-based British Sign Language choir, providing access to group musical activity and entertainment to a mix of deaf and hearing people in the region.

To vote please visit: www.signature.org.uk/awards/you-decide.php <http://www.signature.org.uk/awards/you-decide.php>


-ENDS-


For more information on the ceremony please visit: www.signature.org.uk/awards/ <http://www.signature.org.uk/awards/>

For more information please contact Laura Kingston or Simon Boddy at Karol Marketing on 0191 265 7765 or laura@karolmarketing.com <mailto:laura@karolmarketing.com> / simon@karolmarketing.com <mailto:simon@karolmarketing.com>