News

Seashell Trust's sign language tutor has been nominated for a national award.

June Battye has been shortlisted in the Transforming Lives Through Education category at the Signature Annual Awards.

The event, in its eighth year, celebrates those who break down the barriers in society for deaf and deafblind people.

June, herself profoundly deaf, has been our British Sign Language tutor for over a decade. With so many of our students being hearing impaired and having communication difficulties, her expertise has been vital.

Maria McGrath, from Seashell Trust, said: “June’s nomination highlights the contribution she gives to the trust in many areas and we are very proud she has reached the final.

“June reached the finals due to her commitment to her five hundred colleagues who work across the various faculties. She goes above and beyond her role.

“As a trained nurse, she also delivers administration of medication training to colleagues to enable them to keep our students safe and healthy. June is a calming presence for our deaf colleagues particularly when they have had a difficult time as they can debrief by signing.

“She has given up holidays to support students with multi-sensory impairment, even sleeping in the sensory room in the residential houses to guarantee she is at hand should something go wrong.”

Stephanie Ayre, from Signature, said: “This year’s awards focus on the influential educational establishments, teams and individuals that are brightening the futures for so many. We want to highlight and reward the people who enrich education for deaf people and spread understanding through teaching deaf communication and awareness.”

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on Friday, January 27. June will be accompanied by her hearing dog Chance and colleagues from our learning and development team.