Year: 2010

Final details for the teacher, tutor and trainer qualifications review events are now available.

As Convenor of the Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group on Deafness, Cathie Craigie MSP has introduced a consultation on a British Sign Language (BSL) Bill.

This Bill aims to secure BSL as one of Scotland’s official languages, commanding equal respect with English and Gaelic; to have better awareness of information needs and services for BSL users; to protect the linguistic integrity of the language; and to promote the cultural aspects of BSL and the Deaf community as part of Scottish heritage.

From 1 October 2010, unit BSL101 and ISL101 assessments no longer require filming, unless they are selected for quality assurance purposes.

We are pleased to announce that the first of our two public commitments to the Working Group on Professional Recognition for Deaf People Who Provide Language Services is operational.

We’re looking for two dynamic and motivated individuals to liaise with Deaf people in the community encouraging and supporting Deaf sign language users to become qualified teachers and assist Public Sector organisations to work with Deaf people to make their services accessible.

Consultation on British Sign Language (BSL) and support for Deaf and hard of hearing learners for the Learning and Skills Sector

Signature is currently carrying out an e-survey consultation on behalf of LSIS (The Learning and Skills Improvement Service) and would appreciate as much input as possible.

Signature is pleased to announce that the Entitlement Framework in Northern Ireland is in place for the forthcoming academic year. The Framework requires that all pupils aged between 14 and 19 are provided with a range of options at both GCSE and A Level. There will be 24 choices at GCSE and 27 at A Level and these must include a mix of both vocational (or applied) and academic subjects. Many schools are working in partnership with other schools and Further Education Colleges in Area Learning Communities to allow them to offer this choice to pupils.

Level 2 Certificate in Communication with Deaf People (CDA2) will no longer be included in our portfolio of accredited qualifications…

Unit T201 Communication with Deaf and Deafblind People (ACE) has been renamed Communicating with Deafblind People…

John Smith is a profoundly Deaf BSL user. Following on from his hugely successful, first stand up appearance late in 2005, John has moved into bigger and bigger audiences, entertaining in Deaf clubs and theatres countrywide. Using his experiences of growing up Deaf in a hearing world John brings his observations to life, engaging his audience in hours of laughter and reflection. Covering topics such as Current Deaf issues, Deaf politics and School life, John offers an amusing and fascinating insight into being Deaf and the world of British Sign Language.

We are very pleased to announce that the Signature Level 3 Award in Modifying Written English Texts for Deaf People (QCF Accreditation Number: 501/0106/7) has been accredited by Ofqual. It is available for teaching from 1 September 2010.