Sign Language Teacher Up For Top Award

Story from the Greenford, Northolt and Southall Gazette.

A signer has been nominated for a prestigious award for helping and supporting deaf children.

Gilly Stevens, 39, runs a club for deaf children up to die age of 11 at St Mary's Church Hall in Hanwell.

Ms Stevens, of Cuckoo Dene, Hanwell, also signs at the church during mass to make sure deaf people do not miss out on the service.

She has been personally nominated for the Joseph Maitland Robinson award and for the Signing in Deaf Club organisational award, which recognises people and groups who make a difference in the community.

Ms Stevens, who has been signing since 2003, said: "It was pretty scary being nominated, but I'm really pleased as it coincides with deaf awareness week."

"I prefer signing to talking and even dream in sign language."

"I really enjoy signing and it's fantastic that I'm able to help deaf people experience everything and give them access and opportunities that they could otherwise miss out on; something that we accept as the norm."

Finalists will be shortlisted by the end of June and the award ceremony will be held in November.

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