For your information please see below for information on UK resident Catherine White, originally from Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland, who has been shortlisted in the 2011 Signature Annual Awards for her work at home and in New Zealand to further access for deaf and deafblind people.
Catherine White – Communication Professional of the Year
A woman who has been instrumental in raising awareness for the deaf community has been recognised for her tireless work as she has been named one of the finalists in the 2011 Signature Annual Awards.
Originally from the South West of Ireland, Leicester resident Catherine White has been helping to improve access for deaf people across the world for 25 years. Amongst her many achievements in that time she has helped to establish a national set of standards for Interpreting Services for the Deaf Association of New Zealand and has even worked with Sinead O’Connor to teach her sign language for her music video ‘Am I Not Your Girl’.
She currently works as a freelance sign language interpreter in Leicester though is best known to local residents for her commitment to supporting those who use BSL as their first language and hearing children of deaf parents (CODA).
Throughout her years in communication her contribution to interpreting services has been immeasurable, from providing interpreting services at the Deaflympics in several different sign languages, to influencing local and national policies improving the standards of deaf access and providing expert training to trainee and newly qualified interpreters across the world.
The judging panel at the 2011 Signature Annual Awards was so impressed with Catherine’s continued efforts to promote better inclusion for deaf people, that she has been named as one of the four finalists for 2011 Communication Professional of the Year.
Beyond providing vital interpreting services which provide local deaf people with better access, Catherine is very proactive in arranging and supporting events which enhance their engagement in their local community.
Jim Edwards, Chief Executive of Signature, said: “We were extremely impressed with the ongoing work which Catherine carries out in order to engage the local community with deaf culture.
“Whilst her career has always been focused on deaf issues, her dedication does not stop when she clocks off – she continues to work over and above in order to give her all to the deaf and CODA community.”
The winners of the 2011 Signature Annual Awards will be announced during a prestigious awards ceremony in London on Friday 18th November 2011.
For further information on the Signature Annual Awards, please see the attached.
National Finalists for Deaf Communications Awards Revealed.doc
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Alex
Alex Reynolds
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