Directors Nikki and Marilyn attended an event recently In Conversation with Terry Riley OBE at Wolverhampton’s Arena Theatre where Terry talked about his life and career.
Chief Executive of the BSLBT, Terry Riley OBE is known for his advocacy for British Sign Language (BSL) for over forty years, particularly in the mainstream society.
In the 80s Terry was a driving political force against discrimination, inequality, attitues and social barriers surrounding Deaf people. He later joined BBC’s See Hear programme and became the first Deaf Editor in 2000!
He set up the European Deaf TV and Video Network which is now in over 20 countries and in 2009 he was elected as Chair of the British Deaf Association and continues to be today. Terry is also on the board of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD).
Terry is also recognised for his awards including the BDA Medal of Honour in 2000, the Lifetime achievement award by Remark! in 2003 and he was presented with the WORLDEAF Cinema Festival Motion Media Producer Award in 2009 by the Gallaudet University. Later in 2011, Terry was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Arts by the University of Wolverhampton.
Terry has showed that Deaf people have an unique language, culture and identity. We wish him congratulations for being an outstanding member of the Deaf Community and for his praiseworthy contribution!
Deaffest 