Two London champions of deaf children have been recognised in a national award scheme for their efforts going above and beyond to support deaf children and young people achieve their potential and challenge perceptions of what can be achieved.
The Claire Campbell Outstanding Achievement Awards, run by charity Auditory Verbal UK (AVUK), now in their second year were presented last Thursday (November 28th). The awards are in tribute to Claire, a mum of two profoundly deaf children, who championed the need for early and effective support for deaf children to achieve their potential right up to her death in 2022.
Joint winners of the Adult Outstanding Achievement Award are Tricia Kemp, founder of Cochlear Implanted Children’s Support Group and Susan Brownson, deputy head and leader of the deaf provision at Laycock Primary School, Islington, London.
Susan Brownson is described as “a visionary leader at the heart and soul” of the deaf provision at Laycock Primary School in her nomination for the awards. Her unwavering commitment to inclusion has not only transformed the lives of the children she works with but has also set a benchmark for educational institutions nationwide.
She believes deeply in supporting deaf children, ensuring they are equipped with the skills, confidence, and self-belief to reach their full potential. Her holistic approach to education goes above and beyond traditional teaching methods, fostering an environment where deaf children are not just included but celebrated. She collaborates closely with families, teachers, and healthcare professionals supporting both academic and social needs.
And she consistently challenges and changes perceptions about what deaf children can achieve, debunking myths about the limitations still too often associated with deafness.
On receiving her award in London Susan said: “I am very touched by receiving this award especially in memory of Claire Campbell who was such an inspiring and passionate advocate for deaf children.
“I feel that this is a tribute to the many amazing children, young people and families who have taught me so much in the past forty years. The opportunities that are opening to deaf children are so much wider than when I first started teaching but we should never be complacent and should carry on ensuring that an outstanding education, with appropriate levels of support, are available to all.”
Tricia Kemp, from Barnes, is the parent of one of the very first British children to receive a cochlear implant and set up the Cochlear Implanted Children’s Support Group (CICS) charity in 1993 to support families and children with cochlear implants around the UK with support, advice and information.
It was and still is an independent and volunteer-led charity run by parents of deaf children. Now the group co-ordinator for the charity, she does so much more than this and was nominated for regularly going above and beyond to ensure families get the best support for their children and ensuring the CICS network continues to be an invaluable source of support for families with deaf children.
Tricia champions the achievements of children with cochlear implants inspiring others to reach their potential. Parents of deaf children talk about her passion, commitment and enthusiasm alongside her personal approach, communication and support. She always thinks of others and goes above and beyond to support deaf children and their families.
On receiving her award in London Tricia said: “I am delighted and humbled to receive this unexpected and prestigious award, especially as it is for something about which I am so passionate. It is imperative that families of deaf children are provided with support and information about how today’s technology can give deaf children so much potential.
“Having access to a network of families with lived experience of this offers those starting out on their deaf child’s journey reassurance, hope, encouragement and enthusiasm for what lies ahead. I hope that the small part I play in this process assists families to help their deaf child reach their potential.
“To receive an award for something I so enjoy is like a double reward. It also reminds me of Claire who I knew and respected for many years. It is so sad that I cannot receive it direct from her in person, but I hope she would have felt me worthy of it.”
Claire’s husband Chris, who judges the awards with his family said: “It was wonderful to establish the awards in 2023 awards a perfect way to honour Claire and as a family. This year the entries have surpassed our expectations and it has been very emotional reading about so many truly outstanding achievements like those of Susan , Tricia and Sanemi who are constantly going above and beyond proving what deaf children can achieve and supporting them to achieve their potential and challenge perceptions.”
Auditory Verbal UK Chief Executive Anita Grover said: “Congratulations to Tricia, Susan and all the finalists in the 2024 Claire Campbell Outstanding Achievement Awards for their achievements going above and beyond proving what deaf children and young people can achieve. Claire was unwavering in her support for deaf children and their families and always championed the vision that all deaf children should have the same opportunities in life as their hearing peers whether their families choose to use sign language, spoken language or both.”
Two Highly Commended Awards were also presented to:
Louis Moss (12), from Cambridge who lost his hearing progressively as a child and now campaigns to improve access to early and effective support for deaf children. He has met MPs in Westminster, the Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, and conducted television and radio interviews to challenge perceptions of what deaf children like him can do.
And Gaea Thompson a deaf Teacher of the Deaf who supports deaf children at a school in East Sussex using role models to inspire them and prove what is possible, as well as organising events with the emergency services to improve deaf awareness and challenge perceptions.
