Hands That Talk Founder Nominated For Signature Award

Story from Derry Today.

The founder of Hands That Talk in Dungiven says she is "honoured" at being nominated for a prestigious award recognising outstanding achievements by people who have made a significant contribution towards a society in which deaf people have full access.

Dorothy Hegarty is in the running for a Signature award and The Joseph Maitland Robinson Award for Outstanding Contribution.

Jim Edwards, CEO of Signature, said: "With an MBE already under her belt we were delighted to learn that Dorothy's involvement with the deaf community was being further recognised and commended through our awards ceremony. Through Hands That Talk Dorothy promotes social inclusion for deaf people and truly is an inspiration. The Signature Annual Awards are about recognising excellence in communications between deaf and hearing people and we're looking forward to sharing these successes at the ceremony in London."

Dorothy is overwhelmed to have been nominated for a Joseph Maitland Award and will travel to the event being held at a glittering ceremony at London's Crowne Plaza Hotel, St James, in November.

"I am delighted to be nominated for an award like this but I feel it is an award for all the people, staff and volunteers who have worked and contributed to Hands That Talk's success over the past 10 years," said Dorothy.

"It is a huge honour to be short listed as I am aware of the many people who help the deaf community across Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom. Hands That Talk are the largest deaf charity based in the North West so it really means something that our area will be represented in London."

Hands That Talk have had a huge impact on the lives of many deaf people since its formation in February 2000 when Dorothy, a retired teacher, met Siobhan McKeever from Dungiven, a past pupil.

She met Siobhan on a regular basis in the town but communication was non-existent apart from a smile of recognition. At this point Dorothy set about finding a sign language class to learn how to sign so that she could communicate effectively with Siobhan.

A few months passed and Dorothy decided to run sign language classes locally and Hands That Talk was born. It is the largest organisation of its kind providing a broad range of services for the deaf and hard of hearing communities.

It also provides training, employment and a communication support service for deaf people.

In 2007 Hands That Talk was awarded £500,000 from the Reaching Communities Programme within the Big Lottery Fund to provide core staff salaries, some project and running costs over the next 5 years, testimony to the work which Dorothy started.

Siobhan McKeever, who inspired the establishment of Hands That Talk, had this to communicate: "My life has turned around completely. I was very isolated in this community when I left school. Through my involvement as a volunteer in Hands That Talk I have become more confident, met many friends and achieved NVQ3 Irish Sign Language and ECDL. I feel that I belong here and that my opinions are respected. I could never have imagined that I would have gained so much and I owe a lot to Dorothy; nothing is too much for her, she is always there for us, she has changed my life."

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