Ilkeston boy scoops national prize
12 May 2009
Rosie Cooper MP presents award at House of Commons ceremony
Jordan McGrath, 15, from Ilkeston, has won a national competition organised by the leading charity Deafness Research UK. The competition – It’s My Future – encouraged young deaf people to put forward their ideas about where research into deafness should head over the next twenty years. Organised in association with the Deafness Cognition and Language (DCAL) Research Centre, the ‘It’s my future’ competition was open to entries from two age groups: 12-14 year olds and 15-19 year olds. The competition organisers were looking for original ideas and seeking young people’s opinions on topics such as whether doctors in 2019 will be able to grow replacement parts for ears, whether there will be new or different ways to communicate in BSL (British Sign Language) and the future of cochlear implants.
Jordan has a vision for the future which would see much more emphasis put on the needs of deaf people. He said: “I think that deaf people should be treated equally; for example, there should be more subtitled shows at cinemas, interpreters at shows, pantomimes and other public places where a deaf person needs help with communication in some way. I also think that there should be more deaf awareness taught around the UK, for example staff in supermarkets, restaurants, cafes and medical centres should be more aware of the issues and should be able to communicate better with deaf people. Also, modern mobile phones as seen in shops should contain all the features that a deaf person needs.”
Vivienne Michael, chief executive of Deafness Research UK, and one of the judges, said: "Jordan has really done his homework. His entry was extremely thorough and so many of the things he mentions would be simple to do and so should be sorted out. Jordan addresses social issues as well as research ideas in his entry, which made it a compelling read and he was the clear winner in the 15-19 year old category. …/cont
"We really enjoyed seeing Jordan at the awards ceremony at the House of Commons, hosted by Rosie Cooper MP. It was a prestigious event and a great achievement for Jordan to have finished top of all the 15-19 entries from across the UK."
Jordan’s local MP, Liz Blackman, said: “I am sure I speak on behalf of the whole area in congratulating Jordan on this award. I look forward to seeing whether any of Jordan’s ideas for the future come to fruition. It was great to see him at the House of Commons to collect his well earned prize.”
Young people were asked to write a short piece (up to 300 words or 1 minute of video in BSL) on what researchers should do to improve life for deaf people by 2019 or even 2029. The competition was judged by a panel of deaf and hearing experts in deafness and hearing research.
The first prize in each group is £100, with runners up prizes of £50. Prizes were awarded at a ceremony at the House of Commons during Deaf Awareness Week, on 5 May hosted by Rosie Cooper MP (standing in for Malcolm Bruce MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Deafness.)
Notes
Pictured (L-R):
1) Vivienne Michael, Chief Executive of Deafness Research UK and one of the judges.
2) Rose Cooper MP
3) Jordan McGrath
4) Jordan’s local MP, Liz Blackman
5) Jordan’s dad, Brendan.
6) Jordan’s mum, Sue.
