Like us on FacebookJon Hickman's Story
The winner of the Learner of the Year award, Jon is recognised for his exceptional commitment to learning and his contribution to the wider community.
Jon, a school technician from Broadstone, began studying for his Level 1 Certificate in British Sign Language in September 2008. Whilst developing his own skills, he encouraged fellow students to get involved in workshops and help increase their confidence. As well as helping fellow students Jon also volunteered as a guide at a summer 2009 event in Dorset organised by Sense.
He gave up the whole of his summer holidays and successfully encouraged others to join him. This experience and his continued studies have already helped him identify opportunities to introduce BSL and deaf awareness to the pupils and staff at the school where he works.
"I was over the moon when I found out I had won," Jon said. "I had the biggest smile on my face and was really pleased that I could share the moment with my parents and everyone else at the awards ceremony."
Having completed his Level 1 BSL and Level 1 Certificate in Developing Awareness and Communication with Deaf and Deafblind People, Jon is now studying Level 2 BSL and would eventually like to become a communication professional.
"My long term aim is to become fully qualified as a communication professional and to teach BSL. I would also like to work with services such as the NHS and financial sectors to raise awareness of communication with deaf and deafblind people," Jon said.
Click here to read about the other winners at the 2009 Signature Annual Awards.