Durkan Nominates Local Deaf Teacher For UK Award

Foyle MP Mark Durkan has nominated local deaf teacher and founder of the Foyle Sign Language Centre Richard McFadden for the 'UK Organisation of the Year Award' with Signature - the curriculum body for deaf-related courses.

Mr Durkan said: "Richard has already won the Northern Ireland regional teacher of the year award for his hard work in Derry and is through to the UK finals in November.

"However, as Richard is the 'backbone' of the Foyle Sign Language Centre, I believe he should also be nominated for Signature’s 'Organisational Achievement' award.

"The Foyle Sign Language Centre was established in order to bridge the communication gap between the deaf and hearing worlds.

"Richard has a unique perspective on how to accomplish this. In his own 'down-to-earth' way he has shown how sign language can help hold the community together in effective communication.

"Indeed, I am aware that on occasion he has been known to celebrate with his class at the end of each module by taking them out to a social event where his students are able to use their sign language skills within the local community.

"Richard is a champion of sign language education and is a role model in terms of his determination, commitment and professionalism.

"His unstinting dedication to sign language education has deservedly earned him a place as one of Northern Ireland's finest teachers."

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