The shortlist for the Sense Awards 2009 has just been announced.
The awards are organised by Sense in recognition of exceptional achievements. Nominees have campaigned, volunteered and worked for and on behalf of deafblind people, sometimes for decades.
BBC Breakfast presenter, Louise Minchin will be presenting the winners with their awards at a special ceremony in London on 1 October. Louise Minchin said "The Sense Awards recognise people that have made a real difference to deafblind people's lives. Given the calibre of those nominated to be shortlisted is an achievement in itself.”
Richard Brook, Chief Executive of Sense and Chair of the Awards Panel said “Sense is committed to acknowledging those who have raised awareness of deafblindness and brought about real change. These awards show that our passion for supporting deafblind people is at the heart of everything we do. I would like to congratulate all those who were nominated for their exceptional work.”
The shortlisted nominees are:
Deafblind Person of the Year
- Julie Brown, for her work as a training officer doing deafblind courses
- Terry Gilbert, for being an inspirational role model
- Keith Hutton, for the growth in his communication and confidence
Young Deafblind Person of the Year
- Elinor Scott, who overcome her fears of working in a hearing environment and changing the attitudes of others there
Volunteer of the Year
- Peggy Keeble, for her commitment in particular to Sense’s Essex branch
- Elaine Steer, for her support at numerous Sense events
Local Partnership/ Community
- Chipstead Valley Primary School, for their outstanding educational and social inclusion of a young deafblind child
- Sandy Vincent, for going above and beyond her duties as a teacher of deaf pupils
Exceptional and Sustained Contribution
- Gini Bartlett, for her many and varied contributions to the life of Sense over numerous years
- John Bridges, for his 22 years of service in a direct support role
Team of the Year
- The Anne Wall Centre, for their development into a larger service providing a wide range of activities
- Bryndale Avenue, for supporting people with complex individual needs, helping them develop their individual lifestyles
- The Family, Education and Advisory Service in the South East, for expanding the range of services provided and engaging with more families
Employee of the Year
- Deborah Dowsett, Outreach Worker South East Region, for her impact upon the lives of the people at a service
- Megan Mann, Practice Development Worker Acquired Deafblindness (Older people), for her widespread delivery of advice on acquired deafblindness
- Cinzia Marrocco, Head of Communications, for her awareness raising and support on a trek to Everest Base Camp
Innovative Practise
- Mandy Lynch and Kate Towers, for launching a Summer Ball for deafblind people in the Midlands to raise awareness
- The National Practitioner Working Group on Communication, for their work to enhance the communication skills of those working with deafblind people
