National Awards' Search For Regional Stars In Deaf Communications

The hunt for the UK's finest deaf communicators has begun as leading awarding body Signature launches its fourth annual awards today reports Signature (10/02/12).

Regional nominations for the 2012 Signature Annual Awards, which celebrates those who are making a positive contribution to the lives of the deaf community, opened today (Wednesday 8 February 2012).

Forming part of Signature's celebrations to mark its 30th anniversary the 2012 Signature Annual Awards, which will be held later this year, is searching for the brightest stars in deaf communications.

Signature is looking to uncover the inspirational stories behind the UK's teachers and learners who are helping to break down the barriers to communication that deaf and deafblind people regularly face.

Alongside honouring the talents of the country's regional Teacher of the Year and Learner of the Year, Signature is also looking for the individuals and organisations worthy of its national awards including Community Spirit, Communication Professional of the Year and the prestigious Joseph Maitland Robinson Award for Outstanding Contribution.

Chief Executive of Signature, the leading provider of accredited sign language qualifications, Jim Edwards, said: "Since the launch of the Signature Annual Awards in 2009 we have uncovered so many truly inspirational individuals and organisations that have shown a real passion for creating a society in which deaf and deafblind people have full access.

"Given the fantastic work that has been carried out across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland over the past 12 months in improving deaf awareness I am certain there is still a wealth of talent waiting to be discovered.

"The 2012 awards will be an extra special event for Signature as we celebrate our 30th year, so as well as honouring the outstanding work of today we will also be commemorating the progress of deaf communications over the past three decades."

In 2011 the Signature Annual Awards celebrated the exceptional achievements of 22 regional and eight national winners. Clark Denmark, who is leading the way in British Sign Language teaching and research, was honoured with the Joseph Maitland Robinson Award for Outstanding Contribution for his tireless dedication to deaf studies. Meanwhile Tara-Eve Forkin was named Young Learner of the Year after successfully completing her BSL Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications in just two years.

Nominations for the regional Teacher of the Year and Learner of the Year awards can be submitted at www.signature.org.uk/awards until Wednesday, 2nd May 2012.

Shortlisted nominees will be announced on 16th May 2012, with the regional winners being unveiled on 13th June. Each regional winner will then progress to the national final later this year when the UK's Teacher of the Year and Learner of the Year will be chosen.