Latest news and blogs

A reminder to centres that any NVQ candidates who are registered for Level 3 NVQ in BSL (units PSL3 & RSL3) or Level 4 NVQ in BSL (units RSL4, PSL4a, PSL4b) must submit their portfolios for external verification before 30 June 2009. The final date for certification for this qualification is 31 August 2009.

We are looking for people to write or sign 30 new stories for the BSL201 assessments. We need 30 stories and will pay £50 for each story we use.

We would like to know more about how we can better support learners studying towards our qualifications. We would be grateful if you would take a couple of minutes to answer a few very short questions on our current learner support materials and what you would like to see in the future.

The Blackpool Gazette recently published a story about eight-year-old Abby Hurwitch who passed her BSL Level 1 qualification. You can read more about Abby on the Gazette’s website by clicking here.

Many deaf students drop out of Further Education. There is anecdotal evidence to suggest why this may be the case, but little thorough research. So, on 22 November, in collaboration with the North West Partnership, Signature held the Bridging the Access Gap conference. This was a one-day research event to explore the barriers faced by deaf students.

Press Release by ITV: ITV has launched a major web-based initiative to improve the literacy of thousands of deaf children. www.signedstories.com, is a unique free online library of signed books and is ITV’s contribution to the 2008 National Year of Reading. Backed by eight leading UK publishers, The National Literacy Trust and a host of stage, screen, literary and sporting icons, Signed Stories will feature the best of contemporary children’s books in sign language with audio, animation and text.

Press Release by NSPCC: If you are deaf or hard of hearing and are worried about a child or need advice you can now contact the NSPCC BSL Helpline, through qualified British Sign Language interpreters. The NSPCC Helpline has become the first helpline in the UK teaming up with the Sign Video Service to enable deaf and hard of hearing members of the public to access the helpline via qualified BSL Sign Language interpreters. Using video conferencing equipment (videophones, webcams, videoconferencing units), high quality BSL interpreters are available within minutes.

CACDP, the IRP, ASLI, the Deaf Interpreters’ Network and a number of other organisations have come together with their primary aim to look into the possibility of developing better professional recognition for interpreters who do not work between standard BSL and English.

Press Release: CACDP has today announced that it will now trade as Signature – excellence in communication with deaf people. The charity wants to see a society in which deaf people have full access. It operates as the only UK awarding body offering nationally accredited qualifications in British Sign Language and the other accessible communication methods used by deaf people; and administers the recognised professional registers for communication professionals working with deaf and deafblind people.

The National Gallery are holding talks in BSL or with BSL interpretation. Join deaf lecturers Jennifer Little and Serena Cant for talks including Cupid’s Flights of Fancy on 11 February 2009, and a special Impressionist evening event on 24 April 2009.