KERRY DEAF RESOURCE CENTRE UPDATE 07.07.14
IDS NATIONAL ADVOCACY SERVICE SCRAPPED BY THE GOVERNMENT
The National Deaf Advocacy Service of the Irish Deaf Society (IDS) has had
to close in response to the Department of Environment, Community and Local
Government cutting off funds to the service. The IDS’s Advocacy Service
worked to provide access for Deaf people to public services, education,
healthcare and the means to employment. The service’s closure puts the Deaf
community at further risk of social and economic isolation and a decline in
living standards. IDS have shared a link to see the latest developments in
this: http://jrnl.ie/1550482
IRISH DEAF SOCIETY (IDS) SUMMERFEST CANCELLED
The IDS’s planned Summerfest has unfortunately had to be cancelled due to
lack of funding. It was scheduled to take place on Sunday 20th July.
IRISH DEAF KIDS – SNA’s IN THE CLASSROOM
At this time of the year many parents are thinking about the new school term
coming up in September. Irish Deaf Kids (IDK) in their June 2014 e-zine,
posted an article for parents concerning the question ‘Do deaf children
really need a SNA (Special Needs Assistant) in the classroom?’ IDK is aware
that anxious parents, whose child is starting school, may look to secure a
full-time or shared SNA where one is not needed. The article, originally
written in 2011 and still relevant today, explains to parents the difference
between SNA’s and Resource Teachers and the different supports they provide.
It explains that for deaf and hard-of-hearing pupils, an SNA, who is hired
in a care role, rather than an educational role, can ensure their
communication needs are supported, and the child is aware of everything
happening in a classroom. Whereas Resource teachers provide in-class
support, team teaching and/or one-to-one tutoring. The article goes on to
stress the importance of allowing children to learn coping skills to avoid
learned helplessness. The article can be read in full at:
http://www.irishdeafkids.ie/
General info on their facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/
FELLOW SOUGHT FOR ECML PRO-SIGN PROJECT (3 MONTH POST)
The European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML) are seeking a Fellow to work
in Graz (Austria) for three months (full time, March to May 2015) to support
the PRO-Sign Expert Team. Professor Lorraine Leeson, Director, Centre for
Deaf Studies at Trinity College in Dublin is the project co-ordinator The
More information about the project can be viewed at:
http://www.ecml.at/F5/tabid/
The working languages of this project are English and International Sign,
but the Fellow needs to be able to work in English and applicants must
reside in an ECML Member State to be considered for the post. To see the
list of member states go to:
http://www.ecml.at/Aboutus/
Applicants must have the following qualifications and experience:
The minimum level of qualification required is a Bachelor degree.
Preference will be given to candidates with a masters level qualification or
higher. Basic knowledge of the Common European Framework of Reference for
Languages (CEFR) is required.
It is desirable that the Fellow has professional experience in interpreting
and/or the sign language related field. The Fellow must have the capacity
for both collaborative and independent work and they should demonstrate a
pro-active attitude. They require a high degree of flexibility and
willingness to deal sensitively across cultural boundaries and must be
comfortable working with an international team.
The Fellow must have B2 minimum level of English (written) and it is
desirable that the fellow also has B2 level in a national signed language.
Tasks will include: working with the Expert Group in the preparation and
follow up to the PRO-Sign Network Meeting in Graz (March 2015) and in
finalisation of documents relating to the project for publication and
dissemination.
Salary: €3,000 for the three month period. Deadline for applications: 15
October 2014. For further information on salary related queries, contact
Mr. Michael Armstrong, ECML at: [email protected]
Applications should be emailed to Prof. Lorraine Leeson, Coordinator,
PRO-Sign Project: [email protected]
OUR CONTACT DETAILS:
Kerry Deaf Resource Centre.
4 Gas Tce, Tralee, Co. Kerry, IRELAND
Charity Number CHY20854
Text (+353) 87 633 4687
Fax (+353) 66 712 0386
Tel (+353) 66 712 0399
E-mail [email protected]
Website www.kerrydeaf.com
Facebook www.facebook.com/kerrydeaf
Twitter https://twitter.com/kerrydeaf
KDRC provides services to Deaf and hard of hearing people at county level
and contributes to national issues of equality, access and rights.