Hands That Talk Delighted to be Nominated

Story from the Roe Valley Sentinel.

Dungiven based Hands That Talk is delighted to have been nominated for a Signature Annual Award.

Many people deserve recognition or tneir dedicated efforts to overcome barriers to communication between deaf and hearing people and the Signature Annual Awards provide that recognition. The awards acknowledge those whose contribution moves us all further toward achieving a society in which deaf people have full access.

East Deny MLA John Dallat has declared his full support to Hands That Talk. He said: "I know of no organisation that has done more to bring a sense of self-esteem to people and especially those with hearing difficulties.

"It is an organisation that embraces not only individuals but also their friends and families and in a sense it is the extended family that derives so much from the achievements of their hearing-impaired ones.

"The road map to the wider world, not only in access to qualifications, benefits and human rights, but to a whole new world of friends who previously may have shied away from deaf people.

"Hands That Talk has, without doubt, made a highly significant contribution to the lives of deaf people from all parts of Northern Ireland and beyond.

"My decision to nominate Hands That Talk is based on its overall commitment to comprehensively address the needs of its customers and raise the overall awareness if the wider community in a process which has stood the test of time."

Hands That Talk development officer Katherine Kirk is encouraged by John's support. She said: "We are extremely pleased to hear about this nomination.

"We have tirelessly worked over the last 10 vears to raise deaf awareness and battle with inequality issues facing the deaf community, at many, many levels. It is great to hear that the message and ethos of Hands That Talk has had an effect andthat people like John Dallat are willing to nominate us for this award.

"We have also had nominations from councillor, Anne Brolly as well as local community worker Mary Halsey."

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