Pass Notes

Story from Irish News.

An Inspirational Derry man has been rewarded for his commitment to teaching sign language.

Richard McFadden won a regional heat of the Signature Annual Awards and now progresses to the final in London on November 12.

Mr McFadden has been a sign language tutor for the past 16 years, teaching deaf-related courses in British Sign Language, Irish Sign Language, Deaf and Deafblind Awareness and Communication Tactics.

The first class he taught was a basic Irish Sign Language course in a Derry community centre and his work has developed to delivering various courses ranging from basic to advanced levels in the north and Republic.

His work with the charity Signature has progressed and he now facilitates curriculum training and presenting, works as an assessor and has conducted research into deaf interpreter training in Northern Ireland.

He established Foyle Sign Language Centre, based in Derry, in November 2005.

This organisation is the only sign language group in the north offering a full package of deaf-related courses to community/voluntary sector, government offices, private business and the public.

Judges were impressed by his commitment and contribution towards Signature's vision of a society in which deaf people have full access.

At the London awards ceremony he will face 11 other regional candidates to be crowned Signature's first ever Teacher of the Year.

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