Archive for October, 2004
BDA: Learn to Sign Week, Friday
Posted by Alison in Sign Language on October 8, 2004
“The BDA has become concerned about the general lack of awareness of BSL, as well as dropping standards in BSL Teaching, so has created these new forms of training, support and resources to try to solve the problem. Unlike previous courses, the curricula material is fully accessible in both BSL and English, and is believed to be the first of its kind.”
Friday’s Press Release is the final release this week.
Now if you are unable to sign, go out and learn.
BDA: Learn to Sign Week, Thursday
Posted by Alison in Sign Language on October 7, 2004
“British Deaf Association has announced that any money raised from its BSL assessments will go directly back to the Sign Language Community.
After paying the BSL Assessor?s fee, the rest of each assessment fee will be paid divided equally between the BDA and the BDA?s Area Deaf Associations where the assessments take place.
The funds received by both the BDA and the Area Deaf Associations will be used only for further developments of BSL.”
BDA: Learn to Sign Week, Wednesday
Posted by Alison in Sign Language on October 6, 2004
BSL Teacher June Smith commented: ?I think the six-week course is great. With the 30-week courses, there is a high dropout rate. Lots of people don?t finish it and it is hard for those with potential to move on. But with a six-week course, those with potential can complete the first course then move on.?
ePolitix & Learn to Sign
Posted by Alison in Uncategorized on October 5, 2004
“The BSL Awareness Pack was created as an alternative to Deaf Awareness training, and focuses more on BSL as a language rather than Deafness itself.
“The fact that these courses and materials are Deaf-led reinforces the BDA’s position on BSL ownership – BSL should belong to the Deaf community.
“Everything that was launched on Friday contributes to the fight to reclaim our language.
“BSL ownership is very important if we are to take control of issues affecting our lives.”
Link: ePolitix
BDA: Learn to Sign Week, Tuesday
Posted by Alison in Sign Language on October 5, 2004
“The BDA Chair, Doug Alker, explained: ?Deaf Awareness is generally formed on the medical model relating to the ear and audiological concerns. BSL Awareness is to do with people who use a different language, and their rights to full social inclusion. The ear is the last thing that BSL users would think about!?”
BBCi and Learn to Sign Week
Posted by Alison in Sign Language on October 4, 2004
As part of the BDA’s Learn to Sign Week, the BBC homepage is promoting it. As a website that generates a high volume of traffic, this is an extremely postive move.
BDA: Learn to Sign Week
Posted by Alison in Sign Language on October 4, 2004
This week is the BDA’s Learn to Sign week. Whilst this is not strictly a legal topic, the importance of promoting the usage of BSL is important.
Monday’s Press Release focuses on an the launch of two new websites:
both of which are presented with BSL as the primary language.
Deaf blood donors refused
Posted by Alison in Disability Discrimination on October 2, 2004
A Deaf couple was refused as blood donors, by the National Blood Service, on the basis that the service could not guarantee that they would understand the questions asked.
The Deaf couple had volunteered to find an interpreter, which caused the NBS to respond:
“For their own safety, we ask volunteers some very intimate questions about their health and behaviour in a one-to-one interview. We have to be sure they have understood the questions and are in a position to give their consent.
“Sadly, we don’t have extra staff available to sit in on the interview and, because of the nature of the questions, a partner or friend can’t act as interpreter. There is no question of discrimination against deaf people. We are completely inclusive – we invite everyone to come along and volunteer.
“But there is no human right to give blood. It is our responsibility to protect the integrity of the blood supply and we can pick and choose who we take donations from.”
Links: This is Wiltshire and Western Daily Press, Bristol.