Signing and deaf clubs
| • BSL Interpreter • Deaf Clubs in Teesside • Learn British Sign Language • Middlesbrough Deaf and hard of hearing services • Sign Flash Cards |
What does a BSL Interpreter do?The role of a British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreter is to convey every piece of information that is given in spoken English into BSL without omitting or adding anything to it. They also voice over anything that is communicated in BSL so that it is presented in spoken English. RegistrationIt is important that interpreters are registered with a professional body. Registered interpreters must meet the requirements of their professional body and abide by a Code of Ethics. They will have indemnity insurance, an identification card and a current CRB Enhanced disclosure check. The professional body will have a Complaints and Disciplinary procedures. The professional bodies are The Independent Registration Panel, The Scottish Association of Sign Language Interpreter, and the Association of Sign Language Interpreters. How do interpreters work?The interpreter should be provided with copies of the agenda, power point presentations, OHPs, handouts etc prior to the event. It is also helpful for the interpreter to meet the lecturer or chairperson briefly before the event. In this way jargon or technical terms can be clarified. It is helpful for the deaf person also to be provided with copies of the above material in advance. They can then familiarise themselves with the material. This avoids the meeting or event having lengthy pauses whilst the deaf person reads the material before being ready to lipread and watch the interpreter again. The interpreter would usually stand or sit at the front next to the speaker and next to any visual aids. The deaf person would usually sit in the front row of a conference, or opposite the chairperson and interpreter in a meeting. Thus the deaf person can see both the speaker and the visual aids without having to turn their head. The interpreter should not sit in front of a window and their faces should be well lit. The background behind them should be plain and uncluttered so that it does not distract visually. The deaf person should be given the opportunity to choose the seating position, which they consider gives them an optimal view. All conversations or contributions should be made in a natural way and at a normal pace. It is not necessary to check if the interpreter is coping or to look and see if they are keeping up with your pace when you are speaking. The Interpreter will ask the speaker or anyone contributing to repeat something if they have not heard clearly. They will ask speakers to slow down or speed up if necessary. The interpreter cannot be involved as a participant in group activities although they can act as an interpreter in them. They are unable to, or give advice about anything. They cannot comment on whether the deaf person is understanding the content of the meeting or event. The interpreter can only listen to one person at a time. If more than one person speaks, neither contribution is interpreted. In a conference contributions from the audience should be repeated or paraphrased by the speaker so that the deaf person has the opportunity to lipread them. Language that is interpreted into BSL is presented slightly after it has been spoken. Deaf people therefore often find it hard to contribute to a discussion as it moves on ahead of them. It is therefore important to check if the deaf person wishes to contribute. It is helpful that anyone wishing to contribute to a discussion raises their hand slightly. This allows the deaf person to know who is making a particular point. If a comment is directed at a deaf person it is important to look at the deaf person, make eye contact with them and to speak to them in a normal and natural way. Comments should not be directed at the interpreter. The deaf person will not make eye contact all the time. They will look to and from the person and the interpreter, as is suitable for themselves. It is helpful to use visual aids, however non-subtitled videos or DVDs are difficult to interpret unless the interpreter has watched them in advance. A deaf person will be unable to watch these or write down information whilst watching the interpreter. It is important to allow time for looking before resuming speaking. TimingBeing an interpreter or using an interpreter is tiring and requires intense concentration. It is necessary to have regular short breaks (e.g. 5 mins every hour). If an event lasts longer then two hours it is usual to book two interpreters. In such instances the interpreters will alternate at regular intervals. Booking interpretersThe Hearing Impaired Service or Middlesbrough Council does not have any BSL Interpreters. Interpreters are often very difficult to book. It is extremely advisable to make bookings as far in advance as possible and to be as flexible as possible. Interpreters are booked for a minimum of two hours and will charge a fee plus travelling expenses. It is possible to book a freelance interpreter directly or to book an interpreter through an agency. Details of current North East BSL interpreters and agencies can be found by doing a search on the Internet. Booking details:You will need the following information:
If you would like any further advice please contact Lesley Gallagher, Head of the Hearing Impaired Service on 01642 201822.[ top ] Deaf Clubs in TeessideMidlesbrough Deaf Centre: Address: 3 Park Road South, Middlesbrough. TS5 6LD Tel/Fax: 01642 819782 Textphone: 01642 820059 Services: Drop in – Wednesdays 1-4pm, Youth clubs – Wed (11-19yrs, 6.30-8.30pm) & Thursdays (5-10yrs, 4.-6pm), Senior Citizens club – Thursday 12-4pm, Hard of Hearing club – Friday 12-3pm. Please contact Gill Marshall on the above number for further information. Courses: Sign Language and Lip-reading courses available, provided by Adult Education Service. For further information please contact: Barbara Casson, Tel: 01642 304210 Hartlepool Deaf Centre: Hartlepool Deaf Centre was the only centre in Hartlepool providing a range of services for Deaf and hard of hearing people of all ages. Unfortunately due to lack of funding, this centre has now closed. Deaf and hard of hearing people now meet on Wednesday evening at Cameron’s Sports and Social Club, Waldon Street, Hartlepool. Stockton Deaf Centre: Address: Alma Street Centre, 4 Alma Street, Stockton-on-Tees. TS18 2AP Tel: 01642 391485 Deaf and hard of hearing people meet regularly on a Friday evening from 6.30 - 9pm. Here, they play bingo, have tea and biscuits and generally meet up with each other. Trips are organised to visit other clubs to meet friends and enjoy games of bingo. Learn British Sign LanguageWhat to expect on the course? BSL Level one is a 25-30 weeks course, depending on the course provider. The course is divided into 3 units with a short video examination at the end of unit. Unit BSL101 - Introduction - 5 or 10 weeks Topics covered: Meeting people, numbers, weather, transport and directions. Unit BSL102 - Conversational BSL - 10 weeks Topics covered: At home, using numbers, interests/activities, weather. Unit BSL103 - BSL at school, College - 10 weeks or work Topics covered: Getting around, exchanging information, refreshments, using numbers. Please contact your Local Education Authority for information about course duration
Who to contact in your area
Please contact your Local Education Authority for information about fees Sign Flash CardThe Hearing Impaired Service is pleased to announce the availability of some new small signed picture flash cards in handy pocket key-ring size. These are available for schools, nurseries and parents. They can be hooked to a belt, pram or worn round the neck and are a good educational resource for learning British Sign Language. They are a simple and handy reminder. They come in useful groupings such as animals, nursery signs, everyday objects, behavioural signs etc. Anyone interested in knowing more should contact the Hearing Impaired Service office. Below is a list of useful sites for anyone wishing to learn or improve their signing ability: www.mybslbooks.com |