Laraine Callow’s MBE

Official definition
An MBE is awarded for an achievement or service in and to the community of a responsible kind which is outstanding in its field, or a very local ‘hands-on’ service which stands out as an example to others.
Click here for further information on Awards and how you could nominate someone next year.

PRESS RELEASE
January 2011
Laraine Callow is awarded an MBE

Deafworks is delighted to announce that Director Laraine Callow has been awarded an MBE for her services to deaf and hearing impaired people. The formal presentation has now taken place at Buckingham Palace (on Tuesday 8^th February 2011). 

Laraine Callow (Director, Deafworks): “This is a great recognition for all the hard work over the last 25 years and the 150 staff and volunteers that have worked with us, many of whom have gone on to successes of their own.” 

Terry Riley (Chair, British Deaf Association): “Deaf people rarely get the recognition that they deserve and this honour is well deserved and on behalf of the BDA I offer our heartfelt congratulations.” 

Joel  Kellhofer (Director, AC2.com Productions – deaf-led film production company): “Laraine is a positive role model to many deaf people in this country.” 

Joanna Wootten (Director of Member Services, Employers Forum on Disability): “Really pleased to hear about the MBE. Best news I’ve had for ages!”

Anne Hewitt (Former Senior Lecturer, City Lit Centre of Deaf Studies): “It was well overdue and Laraine really deserves it for all the work she has done for deaf people over the years. Not to forget the influence she has had upon the hearing community, such as myself: Laraine has given me insight, which otherwise I would not have achieved.”

Deafworks continues to work with its 650 clients, which include social services, the civil service, museums and galleries, courts and local authorities. A highlight for Deafworks this year is the launch of its groundbreaking book published by Hodder Education, Teach Yourself British Sign Language.

Deafworks’ focus going forward will be to continue helping organisations and individuals to find innovative solutions to a range of complex problems.

END

Media coverage (more to come…)

Read more about Laraine in a press interview.

Hackney Today have written about the 2011 MBE recipients in Hackney (including Laraine).