A deafblind woman from Kings Heath, Birmingham, has been shortlisted for a major national charity award, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to a major new disability centre being built in Selly Oak. 52 year old Susan White has been nominated for ‘Deafblind Person of the Year’ at the 2016 Sense Awards, which will be hosted by Paralympian gold medallist Steve Bate at the Southbank Centre in London on November 10th.
Susan, fascinated with buildings and architectural design, moved to Birmingham from Pinchbeck, Lincolnshire, when she had the opportunity to be involved in the development of the £14m disability centre being built by Sense: ‘TouchBase Pears’.
Acting as a champion for the project, Susan participated in a work placement at architects, Glenn Howells, where she carried out research and advised on design, fixtures and fittings. Susan’s contributions to the building include fully accessible bathrooms, and yellow bands around the doors to make them visible to the visually impaired.
Susan continues to be involved in the project, and will help to publicise the centre when it opens next year. In her spare time, Susan enjoys making models of houses through computer design and pottery. She also makes beautiful furniture, and participates in courses that include bricklaying and decorating.
Sense Chief Executive Gill Morbey said:
"Susan has overcome personal challenges to become an independent, active individual and role model to others. People who are deafblind, and those with complex needs, often face major challenges in life. The Sense Awards recognise some of the fantastic achievements of these individuals, as well as the work of the wonderful people who support them. We’d like to congratulate everyone that’s been nominated for an award, and look forward to announcing the winners at the Southbank Centre, in London, on the 10th November.”
