A YOUNG Southside lad has made it to the last four in a prestigious sign language competition.
Quaid Cleland (9) from Rathfarnham, has been named as one of four contenders in the Young Learner of the Year category at the 2014 Signature Annual Awards.
The awards honour individuals, organisations and community groups that are striving to break down the barriers of communication between deaf and hearing people.
Quaid, who is a hearing child, has been recognised for his commitment to encouraging everyone in Ireland to learn Irish Sign Language (ISL) with his
‘Get Ireland Signing’ campaign.
Having been introduced to ISL by his mother, Derval – who was the recipient of the Eire Learner of the Year Award at this year’s Signature Annual Awards – at the age of six, Quaid quickly developed a passion for the language.
He has been an inspiration to fellow learners, who have become more engaged and confident in class after seeing how well Quaid communicates with deaf people.
In January of this year Quaid launched his ambitious Get Ireland Signing campaign. He is currently putting together a set of 12 videos in order to lobby broadcaster RTÃ? to use ISL on The Late Late Toy Show this Christmas, so that deaf children can enjoy the show as much as he does each year.
With Twitter and Facebook accounts and a website for the campaign (www.there2share.wix.com/signing), Quaid says he will stop at nothing to raise awareness of sign language in Ireland.
He has travelled all over the country, documenting his journey via a YouTube video, and has even appeared on Sky TV with Derval to convince viewers of the benefits.
“I love signing and inspiring people across Ireland to take up ISL, so it’s fantastic to be nominated for this award,
? Quaid said.
“My aim is to get everyone in the country to learn sign language, whether they are hearing or deaf.
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Jim Edwards, Signature chief executive, added:
“It is incredible and inspirational that someone so young has put so much time and effort into raising the awareness of sign language in Ireland.
“He has already made a difference and with his clear passion and dedication to his campaign,
I’m sure he will continue to play a key role in bridging the gap between hearing and deaf people.
“We are delighted to be acknowledging his success in this year’s awards and look forward to following his progress in the months and years to come.
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