Gwent Police has been recognised for its efforts toward achieving a society in which Deaf and deafblind people have full access by being shortlisted for a Signature Award.
Signature, the charity that champions excellence in communications with deaf people, has announced the shortlists for the national categories in the Signature Annual Awards 2010. The winners of the awards will be announced in a presentation ceremony in November.
Gwent Police has been shortlisted for an organisational achievement award for its efforts to produce a crime prevention DVD for deaf people to use. It was developed and produced in partnership with the British Deaf Association and its content is signed, narrated and subtitled.
The DVD has been launched in the media and through a series of launches in Deaf Clubs throughout Gwent. The DVD which was part funded by ACPO, has been sent to all police forces in England and Wales. As well as producing the DVD, Gwent Police also have an emergency SMS text service; have introduced Deaf PACT meetings where deaf people are encouraged to raise local issues they would like the police to address.
All new student police officers and police community support officers receive deaf awareness training delivered by Deaf trainers. The organisation also currently has seven staff members who are BSL qualified to Intermediate level and six who are going on to Advanced level next year.
Chief Inspector Bill Fitzpatrick, Gwent Police said:
“Over the last three years, we have worked hard to make significant improvements in services provided to Deaf and hard of hearing people and to improve our communications and accessibility to all members of our communities. It is heartening to be recognised in such a way. We will endeavour to keep improving and to continue to be innovative in our efforts,”
Signature Chief Executive Jim Edwards said: “We’ve been thrilled by the variety of nominations across all of the Signature Annual Awards categories this year.
All of the nominations are truly remarkable and speak volumes for the amazing work happening all over the UK. It will be hard to pick our winners as they all deserve so much credit”
