Annual report 2002 - batod

The British Association of Teachers of the Deafpromoting excellence in deaf educationAnnual Report and PapersNotice of Meeting26th Annual GeneralMeetingSaturday 16 March 2002School of Oriental and African StudiesBrunei Galleries, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, LondonCommencing at 12.00 noon

contents26th Annual General Meeting Agenda .............................................. 2Unconfirmed minutes AGM 17 March 2001 ...................................... 3Annual Report 2001 .......................................................................... 5Region Officers .................................................................................. 14Elections to the National Executive Council ...................................... 15Members of the National Executive Council March 2002 ................. 15Accounts for year 2000 - 2001 .......................................................... 16Annual Subscriptions from 1 August 2002 ........................................ 19email: secretary@BATOD.org.uk BATOD Annual report 2001 BATODWebsite: www.BATOD.org.uk 21 The Haystacks, High WycombeAnswerphone / fax 01494 464190 page 1 Bucks HP13 6PY

BATOD Annual Report 2001The last year has been an exciting one with many developments to reflect upon. It included our last AGM inCardiff, celebrating our 25 th Anniversary in style. We were fortunate enough to have excellent speakers. Weparticularly remember Christie Yoshinaga-Itano who travelled from Colorado to be with us. It was also goodto have so many Past Presidents with us for our special day, and the Magazine commemorating the eventis one of which to be proud. It was encouraging to see the support by other organisations too for our work,with whom we continue to have good working relationships.During the course of the year our activities have been especially supported by the National Deaf Children’sSociety (NDCS) and the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID). This support is invaluable for us.During the year British Society of Audiologists (BSA) inaugurated their new Paediatric Audiology InterestGroup (PAIG). Our President was invited to speak at the first well-attended meeting. It is vital that, in thesechallenging times, with changes in two of our major areas of interest, education and audiology, that wework closely with relevant organisations, and we have continued to do so.Furthermore, BATOD has been represented at a wide variety of meetings which have been itemised in themagazine during the year. Meetings have taken place with, in addition to the RNID and NDCS, theGeneral Teaching Council (GTC(E)), the Education minister in Wales, the Special Needs Inspectorate inNorthern Ireland (with the local NDCS), the University of Edinburgh and the Scottish Parliament, theQualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), the Teacher Training Agency (TTA), the School Teachers’Review Body (STRB) and the UK Council on Deafness (UKCoD). We have also developed a closerelationship with Deaf@x in relation to the Government’s BECTa-run (British Educational CommunicationsTechnology Agency) communication aids project. The two organisations are responsible for the part of theproject which is supporting the communication needs of deaf children. The development of this project hasbeen described in the magazine.We have been raising throughout the year the particular circumstances of those Teachers of the Deafworking in advisory and support services particularly in the climate of increasing delegation of LEA funds toschools and the Government emphasis on inclusion, which relies on the quality of the support provided bysuch services. Indeed this has been a theme of our responses to consultative documents and has been amain agenda item in our various meetings with government and other bodies.BATOD has not only been represented at major meetings and with organisations in the UK, but we havealso extended our interests in Europe, with our membership of FEAPDA (European Federation ofAssociations of Teachers of the Deaf) and a good representation there at their recent Congress inStrasbourg. Our President, Sue Archbold, made one of the keynote speeches, and our presence was astrong one. Our Secretary, Paul Simpson, is now the Vice-President of FEAPDA and the next congress isto be held here in the UK in Autumn 2003.BATOD’s finances have exercised our minds throughout the year, and we agreed at our last AGM asubstantial increase in our subscriptions which has enabled us to establish a more secure financial footing.We were concerned as to whether this would result in a loss in membership, but, although we lost some,we are delighted that, overall, our membership has grown over the year. Following this, we advertised thepost of Secretary and had a most encouraging interest in the role. Paul Simpson was appointed and beganin his official capacity in September 2001. The amount of work now being undertaken – including attendingmeetings, responding to and collating consultation responses, dealing with a whole range of enquiries andsupporting the NEC - has shown us how much the post really was needed. Gone are the days of ringinground for someone to attend a meeting at the last minute! Consequently, BATOD’s profile in our fieldcontinues to be raised.We finally produced our own Continuing Professional Development (CPD) log which has been favourablyreceived; this is purely voluntary but many teachers, services and schools are finding it a useful method ofrecording professional development, without duplicating paperwork. BATOD has increased its work inproviding professional training in an accessible way during the year to support this emphasis onprofessional development. In developing BATOD’s professional role, we reflected during the year on our‘strap line’ and made the change from ‘Advancing the Profession’ to ‘Promoting Excellence in DeafEducation’.email: secretary@BATOD.org.uk BATOD Annual report 2001 BATODWebsite: www.BATOD.org.uk 21 The Haystacks, High WycombeAnswerphone / fax 01494 464190 page 5 Bucks HP13 6PY

These developments in our professional approach have been supported by our thinking about BusinessPlanning and the obtaining of professional advice. Professionals from outside our field were encouragingabout what we have achieved so far, and gave us practical advice about what to do next; we have almostcompleted our documentation about BATOD to support our applications for grants for projects. Ourorganisation is changing slightly to reflect our thinking: Officers have now been renamed as the SteeringGroup to enable others whose expertise is useful to be included where they can make an importantcontribution. There is an increasing emphasis on the role of the committees to respond to the flow of workneeding to be dealt with speedily by BATOD. It has been encouraging to see the renewed interest in thework of BATOD, reflected in increased membership, developments in the Regions and five new membersjoining the National Executive Council.The year continues to bring challenges to us all, not only in our professional area of education andparticularly special and deaf education, but in the related area of audiology. We have been heavily involvedin the developments in audiology in the introduction of UNHS and the introduction of digital hearing aids(MHAS - Modernisation of Hearing Aids Programme). These two programmes are particularly challenging,not only for us but for our colleagues in audiology where there is a major crisis arising from nationwide staffshortages. BATOD has ensured that teachers have been closely involved in decisions that are being madeand we have realised more than ever the importance of close liaison with our related professionalorganisations.Margaret Eatough has continued to work valiantly on the Survey and is currently producing a range ofreports for the DfES. NEC has decided to delay the Survey for a year to review its future with those whocomplete it for us, to ensure that it provides useful information for them. We need to ensure it has a firmbasis for the future which is both manageable and able to provide the information we require to enhanceour profession and to inform our meetings with Government and other bodies.Throughout the year we have become more and more aware of the importance of our specialism. This hasbeen underlined by the Government’s decision to maintain the mandatory qualification for the foreseeablefuture which we warmly welcome, although we still wish it to be extended to those working in a peripateticcapacity.The accounts of the work of the standing committees and the regions and countries which followemphasise the huge breadth and depth of our association’s work and highlight too the crucial role of multiprofessionalworking.The Audiology and Information Communication Technology (A&ICT) committee has been joined byseveral new people this year including Jenny Nicholson, Maggie Denholm, Sharon Pointeer and, withobserver status because of his representation of BATOD on the NCPA (National Committee forProfessionals in Audiology), Russell Brett - all of whom are making very welcome contributions to the workof A&ICT.A&ICT has been continuing to provide material for the Association Magazine on a regular basis.Furthermore, there is now an audiology section on the BATOD website created in response to rapid newdevelopments taking place. The January Magazine was audiology-focused and had an excellent CD onthe cover which was provided jointly by PC Werth, GN Resound and Oticon.Various courses have been organised this year including ICT courses in Middlesbrough and Birmingham.There have also been several Cochlear Implant workshops allowing delegates to practise troubleshootingand become confident in handling the devices.The committee has continued to work with organisations and government bodies including the DfES,Deafchild UK, RNID, NDCS, BECTa and NCPA. BATOD has established a small working party to keep upto-datewith developments in UNHS and to transmit information as soon as possible to members. SueArchbold is also on the NDCS Paediatric Audiology working party. Sharon Pointeer has recently attendeda QCA seminar about computer based assessment (accessibility issues).The DfES are updating their acoustic information about schools and have consulted A&ICT. For the firsttime, there will be reference to Sound Field Systems. We are grateful to Russell Brett for his work in thisarea.Peter Preston (along with Paul Simpson, BATOD Secretary) is involved with the BECTa £10 millionCommunication Aids Project (CAP) to ensure that deaf children have access to the communicationequipment available through this Government initiative. BATOD is working with Deaf@x to provide one ofthe six ‘centres’ which has been named the DCCAP (Deaf Children’s Communication Aids Project) throughwhich teachers and parents can apply for assessments of deaf children’s communication needs.email: secretary@BATOD.org.uk BATOD Annual report 2001 BATODWebsite: www.BATOD.org.uk 21 The Haystacks, High WycombeAnswerphone / fax 01494 464190 page 6 Bucks HP13 6PY

The Educational Management Committee and its two subcommittees, ‘GCSE’ and ‘Curriculum Issues’,have yet again had a busy year working on major projects and many and varied minor ones.The committee met for a working weekend in January 2001. This was an urgent meeting called to discussthe amendments to the proposed Threshold Section of the new Code of Practice.However, the DfEE seriously affected the committee’s plans by deciding at only two days notice that theywere to scrap that whole section of the Code as there had been so many complaints about it from differentpressure groups from all areas of SEN. The committee was therefore left with space on the agenda - butfound no difficulty in filling it!Over the year the committee worked on a variety of projects:• The committee has continued to try and regularise with QCA the issue of who is to be used to modify, orbe involved with, the writing of the SATs. The committee continues to press the point that all ToDs usedfor modification of examination papers or statutory tests should have attended a BATOD training course,and have been seen to reach the standards required.• A very successful course was run this autumn, through a partnership between BATOD and NASEN,which resulted in many more Teachers of the Deaf being trained in language modification techniques forboth SATs and end of Key Stage 4 exams - and this will greatly help to raise standards. Other similarcourses are at the planning stage, and it is hoped that all regions will have the opportunity in the futureto attend a course that is near to them• A letter was sent to Tim Boswell MP (Conservative spokesperson on SEN issues) about the problemswhich had occurred with funding for children SEN in GM schools and how they may relate to newsystems of funding being proposed by the Conservative party under its ‘free schools’ policy. Theparticular problems of low incidence need were mentioned and examples quoted. A meeting took placelater in the year between BATOD and Mr Boswell to emphasise these points.• The DEMAQS project was discussed and it was decided that some of the procedures used, andquestions asked, of deaf children, their parents and their teachers should be investigated.• A future magazine issue concentrating on the work of the peripatetic Teacher of the Deaf was plannedand contributors suggested. This has now been very successfully produced.• The NDCS Deaf Friendly Schools Initiative was discussed and it was thought important the Teachers ofthe Deaf should be involved as they were working in their schools on a long term basis whereas NDCSspeakers would only be visiting once or twice.• We completed the response to the consultation on the Code of Practice relating to the DisabilityDiscrimination Act. (We had already previously contributed, and in detail, to the Government’s proposedCode of Practice for SEN which was to replace the current one.)The code described, with examples, the new duties (from 2002) not to discriminate against disabled pupilsand prospective pupils in the provision of education and related services in schools, and in respect ofadmissions and exclusions.We warmly welcomed the document as a whole, and in principle, whilst making specific points in relation tocertain aspects of the draft code. Throughout the document we noted a lack of specific reference to LEAadvisory and support services. We emphasised that these services are key partners in ensuring thatchildren with a disability do not suffer unjustified discrimination.This Code of Practice will have a profound effect on schools and their responsibilities towards children witha disability when it comes into force next year.The Disability Rights Commission will be issuing practical guidance in addition to the final Code of Practiceand both should be published together. The EM committee will be looking at the final document withinterest.Although the BATOD GCSE sub-committee has continued to work with exam boards on the modificationof examination language, the committee’s main focus this year has been on organising training workshops.These were planned together with two representatives from NATED.The first training weekend took place in Doncaster on 17 and 18 November, and was a great success.Thirty-six people attended. Many more wanted to participate, so further sessions are planned for 2002, inthe South and in Scotland.email: secretary@BATOD.org.uk BATOD Annual report 2001 BATODWebsite: www.BATOD.org.uk 21 The Haystacks, High WycombeAnswerphone / fax 01494 464190 page 7 Bucks HP13 6PY

Another piece of good news is that OCR (Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations) has asked formodification training for its Principal Examiners. This is a step in the right direction. It is to be hoped thatthe other exam boards can be persuaded to do likewise.However, it is not good news at all that Jenny Baxter is to resign from the committee in March 2002. Herfellow committee members are distraught but very understanding. Jenny has given unstinting service formany years, and her contribution cannot be over-estimated. All concerned thank Jenny for this hugecontribution.The Membership, Administration & Publicity Committee continues to work hard on behalf of themembership of BATOD with working weekends, evening meetings and conference calls to produce theinformation required. This year has been a very busy one working with the Professional DevelopmentCommittee on the planning of the 25 th Anniversary Celebrations of BATOD. This included the special Marchedition of the Magazine covering the developments in deaf education since BATOD’s inception.The Eichholz Prize in its new form of an annually commissioned article for the Magazine, was awarded forthe first time to Bill Chippendale at BATOD’s 25 th Anniversary celebrations in Cardiff, for his ‘History ofBATOD’ article. Fiona Atkins is now continuing this work as, in consultation with Birmingham University andthe regions, she is checking and updating the archives.Producing training and information leaflets takes up a large proportion of MAP’s time and this year is noexception with the production of:PowerPoint Presentation about BATOD: this is now available and is designed for exhibitions and CourseProviders’ presentations. NEC members were trained in the use of this PowerPoint pack.Information Leaflets: designed to provide ready responses to the various queries BATOD receives and tobe resources for Teachers of the Deaf. They will be also available to new members and Course Providers.They are circulated through the Magazine, in mailings and at exhibitions. New membership and recruitmentleaflets have been introduced detailing NEC work and including a BATOD poster. A resources CD is inpreparation to provide materials for ToDs. The website continues to flourish with a definite upsurge in visitsin the later part of the year.Teaching Deaf Children: BATOD, NDCS and RNID have been involved in the revision of this booklet,which provides information for those wishing to train as Teachers of the Deaf. All current course providersare listed in this booklet with contact details and other information. This joint effort is a concrete exampleof collaborative working with a range of organisation in the field.Recruitment stands & presentation are another part of MAP’s work with new exhibition boards created forevents such as the NDCS Technology Exhibition, the BATOD Anniversary and Events in Cardiff, the Headsof Schools and Services conference and the RNID Breaking the Sound Barrier event. Staffed by AnnUnderwood and the ‘shift-workers’ team from the Committee and Regions, more events would be attendedif time and funding permitted.An oak BATOD President’s presentation box has been prepared to house BATOD medals, old and new,together with records dating back many years. This will be passed on to each incoming President duringthe inauguration ceremony.Ann Underwood deals with all publications and continues the fight to get the Magazine out on time keepingthe BATOD membership up to date five times each year with focus issues on topics relevant to Teachers ofthe Deaf. This year the focused issues have covered audiology, the history of BATOD, mental health anddeafness, the work of the peripatetic teacher and pre-school matters. The new publication dates to meetthe ‘teacher job advertisement’ deadlines are February, April, June, October and December. The SpecialHistory issue ‘Celebrating 25 years of BATOD’ is selling well from the Forest Book Shop and providesinformative background to the education of deaf people.The Journal and the Survey keep the membership informed of recent research. The DfES commissionedthe Survey to report on specific issues for England. With almost 100% returns from England, MargaretEatough continues to wade through the piles of statistics to remain up to date with any deafness-relatedtrends throughout England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The BATOD Steering Group is nowinvestigating fine-tuning the survey to meet members’ needs and there will be a year’s gap before the nextsurvey to allow the association to look more closely at the detail and to evaluate the current data.email: secretary@BATOD.org.uk BATOD Annual report 2001 BATODWebsite: www.BATOD.org.uk 21 The Haystacks, High WycombeAnswerphone / fax 01494 464190 page 8 Bucks HP13 6PY

With ever increasing costs and workloads MAP is now helping the Steering Group investigate methods offunding key BATOD posts and raising sponsorship to support major BATOD events. A meeting with TrevorHarrison, recently retired from ICI, proved very valuable to these ongoing discussions.The Professional Development Committee has had a busy year too.BATOD CPD Logs: all members will have received one of the new BATOD CPD Logs which were sent outat the beginning of the academic year 2001-2002. They have been well received and give a veryprofessional look to CPD record-keeping. This CPD log also helps in providing evidence for ThresholdAssessment and Performance Management (England and Wales) and for the McCrone CPD hours inScotland.At the end of this academic year approximately 5% of the logs will be selected to be returned to PD. Wewill use this exercise to consider the range of courses covered and to get general feedback on the layout ofthe log and information provided. The feedback will be used to inform BATOD about current training issuesand will be helpful in the planning of future conferences and courses.The Professional Development Committee will collate and assess the feedback and submit anyrecommendations to the NEC, TTA and the DfES.The National Conference and AGM remains an important part of the PD committee year. The 2001conference was particularly special as we celebrated 25 years of BATOD. The event took place in Cardiffand drew members past and present from across Britain. It certainly was a conference to remember andWelsh members were pleased to participate in the organisation and supported the day.The Conference 2002 - Assessing Progress will be in London at the School of African and OrientalStudies on Saturday 16th March. The Association AGM and Presidential handover take place during thisconference.We have no sooner finalised the 2002 conference details than we are seeking venues and speakers for2003. This one will be in Edinburgh on Saturday 15 March 2003 and the committee hopes it will be aconference and weekend to remember.The PD committee always welcomes comments on topics and speakers for conferences and willendeavour to take these suggestions and incorporate them into future conferences.Lucy Leith has undertaken the task of updating the Conference Planner which ensures that the planningtakes place in a timely and efficient way. She has amended the time-lines - necessitated by the AGM’smove from November to March.By the time the 2002 conference takes place (16th March 2002) all the standard letters and information willbe on disk which should ease the delegation of conference organising from year to year.As with all National Conferences the PD committee is very grateful for all the offers of help in putting thisevent together. The continuing success of this event lies with a valiant band of BATOD members whoshoulder the delegated tasks.Until now the committee has taken care of the administration of Select’s training for mainstream supplyteachers. This is a supply teacher agency which trains its register of supply teachers in the implications ofa range of SEN. BATOD is contracted to deliver that training where deaf children are concerned. This isnow in being administered by Paul Simpson. Select contact Paul and he supplies a name and contactdetails of a qualified Teacher of the Deaf. This named person will use the BATOD materials (adapted tosuit local situations) and this person is paid by Select. BATOD receives a fee for this service.At Cardiff in March 2001 Carole Sturt took over as chair of PD. However, as of March 2002 she willbecome the President-Elect. Although Carole will remain a member of the committee, Lucy Leith will betaking over as Chair bringing the wealth of her experience to the post.PD is ‘losing’ David Bond in March. David has been a great asset to this committee over a number ofyears. As far as the committee is concerned he will have lasting fame through his amazing ability to stepin and deliver a workshop at the 1999 Conference with only a 10-minute warning (the organised speakerfailed to turn up!). It is a great tribute to his vast knowledge and competent delivery that the evaluationsheets glowed - the only negative comment was from someone unhappy about the lack of handouts!!email: secretary@BATOD.org.uk BATOD Annual report 2001 BATODWebsite: www.BATOD.org.uk 21 The Haystacks, High WycombeAnswerphone / fax 01494 464190 page 9 Bucks HP13 6PY

David is not only retiring from BATOD PD committee but also from his day job as Director of the RoyalSchool for the Deaf Children, Margate. We all wish him well and hope he has a long and happy retirement.As we approach March 2002 we look forward to welcoming two new elected members on PD, BeverleyMagee from the North Region and Pauline Cobbold from the Midland Region.Business has proceeded much as usual for the Journal ‘Deafness and Education International’ (DEI)this year. The addition of Associate Editor Dr. Steve Powers (SP) to the ‘management’ team has been mostbeneficial. Having both Clare Gallaway and Steve now able to carry out the editing procedure is asignificant improvement, as is having three Editors (as well the Whurr Publishers’ team) to suggest newmoves, discuss publicity, new procedures, etc. In June, Clare, Steve and Meg Shepherd went to London forthe annual meeting with Colin Whurr and Wendy Mould (in charge of Journal production) and inSeptember, a part of the BATOD Steering Group meeting in Birmingham was devoted to discussing DEIwith Editor and Publisher Colin Whurr.The general message was that DEI continues to run smoothly. Four issues a year would enable a focusedor themed edition each year but this is not financially viable at the present time. More participation issought from BATOD members, such as: general views from the profession about DEI, reviewers for newbooks received, colleagues coming forward who would like to referee papers, publicity (for exampleencouraging non-BATOD members and/or institutions such as schools and libraries to take outsubscriptions) and submissions. As well as typical research or educational practice papers, the followingmay be considered: descriptions of ‘Work in Progress’, shorter discussion papers or notes and reports ofresearch conferences. Any of the Editors may be contacted with suggestions.This has been another encouraging year for the Midland Region. A pleasing number ofrepresentatives from across the region has regularly attended committee meetings. There hasalso been good attendance at the twilight meeting and AGM and conference.The twilight meeting saw a record turnout, as 50-60 teachers, representing almost all the LEAs in theregion, travelled to Nottingham for the meeting which addressed a number of issues relating to support atpre-school. Beverly Burch, a teacher from Leicester City, introduced her LEA’s parents’ information pack.Suzanne Harrigan, Speech and Language Therapist (S&LT) from Nottingham talked about earlycommunication strategies with young children. Finally, Malcolm Garner considered ‘Lessons fromAmerica’, discussing issues that had arisen during his trip to Colorado, where he had visited the neonatalscreening programme.Evaluations from this meeting confirmed that support at pre-school and the implementation of UNHS arevery important topics for teachers at present. Suggestions for future events highlighted other areas ofconcern, particularly relating to developments in audiology, in which teachers working with children acrossall phases of education have identified training needs.The Midland region AGM and Conference took place in Worcester in October. In response to the feedbackfrom the May meeting, the audiological theme for the day attracted an audience of over 60 teachers andteaching assistants, representing LEAs from across the Midlands and from Wales.The first speaker, Richard Vaughan-Jones, ENT consultant from Worcester, provided a highly informativeoverview of the pathology of the ear, causes of childhood deafness and current trends in treatment andmanagement of hearing loss.For the second presentation, Carina Newman, an Educational Audiologist and Teacher of the Deaf fromShropshire, brought the delegates up to date with digital hearing aids and the Modernisation of Hearing AidServices Project.The afternoon was dedicated to the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme. Martin Smith, Head ofService in Dorset, provided the background to the project and raised a number of implications thateducation services may face. Debra York and others who have been involved in the pilot sites thencontributed to a discussion of the issues that will all have to be addressed as neonatal screening isimplemented.The very positive evaluations of the conference were a clear indication of how the delegates enjoyed theday and how helpful and relevant they had found the content of the presentations. At the AGM PaulineCobbold took over as Chair of the region. Alison Weaver, the outgoing Chair, took this opportunity to thankthe committee members for their support and commitment during her time of office. Pauline Wells, fromLeicestershire, agreed to join the committee.email: secretary@BATOD.org.uk BATOD Annual report 2001 BATODWebsite: www.BATOD.org.uk 21 The Haystacks, High WycombeAnswerphone / fax 01494 464190 page 10 Bucks HP13 6PY

Planning is now in process for the next twilight meeting and the 2002 conference. It is hoped thatBirmingham will provide the venue. In response to requests from BATOD members, it is likely that thetwilight meeting will once again have a pre-school focus. In October the theme will be Deafness andadditional needs.The previous Chair of the South West Committee, Linda Lang, stepped down in November 2000having extended her period of office.The year started therefore with John Shaw as Chair, Sue Barnsley as Vice Chair, Fiona Elsworth asSecretary and Harriet Nott as Treasurer.The Committee is well represented by teachers from across the region with the exception of the old Avonarea and the Elmfield School for the Deaf.Exeter and the Royal West of England School for the Deaf, remains the usual meeting point although,given the geographical nature of the area and distances people have to travel, there has been a move touse conference call facilities on a couple of occasions throughout the year.The main event of the year was a conference focused on ‘Dyspraxia in Deaf Children’. The event was wellattended and all participants valued the presentations given by Lynne Roberts, Specialist Speech andLanguage Therapist for Deafness, and Sarah Bowcott, Speech and Language Therapist. There was also,at the end of the day, an opportunity for teachers to share ideas on the teaching of literacy and numeracy.There were plans to hold a second conference looking at Cochlear Implants and recent developments butthis will now not take place until early 2002. Concern about numbers attending events remains, although intalking to other Committees in similar rural areas the South West enjoys reasonable attendance.Financially the Committee has managed its budget well. Consequently, no bid for financial assistance wasnecessary from the Association’s Treasurer.The Northern Ireland AGM was held as usual in the Postgraduate Centre at Craigavon. OwenLang from BioAcoustics gave an address on the use of Sound Field Systems. A large turnout ofmembers appreciated this presentation. Some members are encouraging Boards to financethese systems in schools throughout the province.Due to the foot and mouth crisis the Spring meeting had to be postponed. The Summer meeting was heldat the Queen’s University in Belfast. It was addressed by Colin Miller, Special Needs Advisor from theSouth Eastern Education and Library Board. The theme was Children with Additional Needs.After this a social function took place in which a retirement presentation was made to Mr Harry Kernohan.Harry has had a distinguished career in both Ireland and England and has been actively involved inBATOD on both sides of the Irish Sea. During his time on the committee his commitment to BATOD was anexample to all members. His sharp wit and keen sense of humour will be greatly missed.Olive McManus the Northern Ireland Chair for the past two years represented BATOD N Ireland at the 25 thanniversary celebrations in Cardiff in March.BATOD NI was delighted that the post of part-time secretary had been created nationally.Committee time this year has been used to discuss the production of a Regional newsletter, obtainingfunding from the regional Training unit to run a full-day course for Teachers of the Deaf and cross-Boardtraining days (there are five Boards). It was felt that if training money was combined some worthwhileactivities specific to our particular needs could be arranged.An audit of courses was undertaken to see which areas might need attention in future meetings.The cochlear implant special interest group is now up and running and it was felt that it might beadvantageous now to consider setting up another group - whether for under 2s and pre-schoolers or agroup for teachers working with 11-16 year olds.Much thought has been given this year to taking meetings around the province but this was not felt to befeasible as the majority of Teachers of the Deaf are in the greater Belfast area. The one meeting held outof Belfast last year resulted in most Teachers of the Deaf from Belfast decamping to Craigavon withoutencouraging any more teachers from outlying areas to attend.email: secretary@BATOD.org.uk BATOD Annual report 2001 BATODWebsite: www.BATOD.org.uk 21 The Haystacks, High WycombeAnswerphone / fax 01494 464190 page 11 Bucks HP13 6PY

This year has seen many changes to the North Region Committee. The year began with thesame small group of long standing committee members, working away to keep the region aliveand to provide stimulating regional conferences to enhance the continuing professionaldevelopment of North Region Members.A well-supported conference was held at St.John’s School, Boston Spa in West Yorkshire. The theme ofthe conference, Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening (also known as the Newborn Hearing ScreeningProgramme) attracted around 80 delegates. The conference was well received based on the evidence ofdelegates’ comments and post-conference questionnaires. It gave all those who attended an insight intothe challenges of change that are ahead as UNHS spreads out from the pilot sites and becomes a nationalissue to which services will need to respond.A report of the contributions from the four speakers of the day, Dr Peter Watkin (Consultant Audiologist,Whipps Cross Hospital, London), Jan Nanor (Co-ordinator of the Hawkswood Service for Deaf Children,East London), Joanne Bradley (East Lancashire Paediatric Audiology Service) and Gwen Carr (Head of theEducational Support for Sensory Impaired, Stockport LEA) was produced and published in theNovember/December magazine.A letter highlighting the lack of representation on North Region Committee, written by the Acting Chair atthe time, was included in the mail shot advertising the conference and went to all North Region members.At the Annual General Meeting, following the conference, it was encouraging to see members comeforward and volunteer their help.North Region Committee was able to warmly welcome three new committee members and a further twonew co-opted members at the committee meeting held in Leeds on 14 July.Throughout, North Region’s presence on the BATOD National Executive Council has remained high - fourof the North Region Committee members are also members of NEC. The committee is also pleased to beable to announce that one of the new committee members has just recently been elected on to theProfessional Development Committee of NEC taking the total to five.The North Regional representative continues to take concerns forward from members in the region todiscussion at NEC. The main focus of the points raised this year highlights the feeling of isolation of manyTeachers of the Deaf in North Region. The particular difficulties faced by colleagues in mainstream schoolswith delegated funds, concerning their lack of Service support structure and the difficulties of access to coordinatedspecific training in times of threshold applications and the spread of Performance Managementwere raised.At NEC, a decision was taken for the Steering Group to take these concerns forward to meetings with HMIand the Unions.The new, strengthened, committee continues to work on behalf of members in North Region. Suggestionsfrom members during 2001 have helped shape the next conference. However, the committee is alwaysopen to suggestions for other topics, and is particularly interested in hearing of any suitable venues forfuture conferences.BATOD Scotland continues with the battle for recognition of the need for a qualification for allTeachers of the Deaf, known as code 56. Margaret Highet, the Secretary, continues to lobby theappropriate members of the Scottish Parliament, on BATOD’s behalf. The Scottish Parliament isin the process of revising code 56 and we understand that all the recommendations are now withthe Minister for Education.In January, Margaret Highet, wrote an interesting article for the magazine on the occasion of the silveranniversary. Margaret attended the anniversary celebrations in recognition for her work for BATODScotland.In May, BATOD Scotland made a submission to SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority) regarding theirproposals for optional units for the Professional Development Award (PDA) ‘Support for LearningAssistants’ in relation to deafness. We requested that assistants work under the auspices of Teachers ofthe Deaf.Also in May, a successful morning meeting to launch the ‘Self-Evaluation by Peripatetic Sensory Services’document was held. This has proved to be a very useful document for services throughout Scotland andeven to some services south of the border too.email: secretary@BATOD.org.uk BATOD Annual report 2001 BATODWebsite: www.BATOD.org.uk 21 The Haystacks, High WycombeAnswerphone / fax 01494 464190 page 12 Bucks HP13 6PY

In July, BATOD Scotland responded to the Scottish Executive’s Consultation Paper on Early Education andChildcare. This is related to Teachers of the Deaf and Pre-School Provision. We pointed out that Teachersof the Deaf and Educational Audiologists must be consulted on issues relating to hearing-impaired childrenin Nurseries.In August, BATOD was represented at SCOD’s (Scottish Council of Deafness) meeting with the Registrarand Depute Registrar of GTC. Issues raised included (a) non-specialist teachers working with hearingimpairedchildren in mainstream schools and (b) medical standards for deaf people entering the profession.In November, in conjunction with SCOD, we made a submission to the Scottish Executive’s ConsultationPaper on the Draft Education (Disability Strategies and Pupils Records) Bill (Scotland).Also in November, the annual AGM and Conference was held, at which BATOD Scotland was pleased towelcome Wilhma Smith from RNID who introduced their latest documents from the ‘Education GuidelinesProject’.At the AGM, Isobel Aitken took over the chair from Carole Sturt. We also gave thanks for the work ofretiring committee members Jean McBryde and Sylvia Gordon. The committee is happy to welcome newrecruits, Angela Brown and Dorothy McHaffie.2001 has been a busy and successful year for the South Region. Lynne Williams was welcomedas the new Chair, Cindy Paulding as Treasurer and Chris Owen as a member of the committee.We thanked Gary Anderson, Corinda Carnelley and Viv Ogg for their hard work.The newsletter has been re-vamped including a ‘features’ section usually selected from members’requests. Features covered have included UNHS, digital hearing aids and Tribunals.In May many BATOD family and friends toasted BATOD’S 25 years with a trip on the London Eye. Withspectacular views in brilliant sunshine everyone had a fabulous day.Glorious sun shone on the 80+ members who gathered at Ovingdean Hall School on Saturday 23 June forthe South Region’s Annual Conference and AGM entitled ‘Effective Inclusion for Hearing-Impaired Pupils’.Three excellent keynote speakers from the RNID made presentations at the morning session. Liz Andrewsand Diane Blackmore provided a clear overview of the Disability and SEN in Education Bill and the NewCode of Practice. Wilhma Smith explained the process and progress of the Educational Guidelines Project.The Region was delighted that Sue Archbold, BATOD President, attended for the day. Sue brought thedelegates up-to-date with all that the NEC is doing to advance the profession.The Autumn Workshop ‘Hearing Aids and Beyond’ was held at Connevans on Saturday November 17.Workshops covered hearing aid fault finding and testing, classroom acoustics, sound field systems andGenie radio aids. Once again this was well attended by the region’s members.At this time last year BATOD Wales was looking forward to hosting and celebrating ‘25 Years ofBATOD’. The members were not disappointed, for it proved to be one of the most memorable inthe history of the Association. It was certainly a fitting tribute to an honourable profession that isdedicated, hard working and very much at the forefront of educational progress in this country.Therefore, BATOD Wales’ thanks go to all those involved in the organisation of the event and forhaving the vision to bring it to Wales.The promised meeting with Jane Davidson A.M., Minister for Education, took place on the 10 April, due inno small part to her attendance at the Conference. The discussions with her were very wide-ranging andquite productive, with issues such as regionalisation, funding and teacher training very much to the fore.She has promised to meet with BATOD Wales annually and to maintain an interest in ‘deaf issues’. As aresult meetings have been held with Deryck Jones, Head of Pupil Support at the National Assembly. Therewill be BATOD representatives on both the Assembly’s ‘All Party Committee on Deaf Issues’ and ‘TheWorking Party on UNHS in Wales’.The AGM and Summer meeting took place in May, when the keynote speaker was Sylvia Lindoe, (HMI),another very interested guest who attended the Silver Jubilee Conference in Cardiff. She addressed themeeting on the remit of ESTYN (Inspection Service for Wales), including inspection issues directly relatedto deaf education. This proved to be informative and an opportunity to see and meet the friendly face ofthe inspection service.email: secretary@BATOD.org.uk BATOD Annual report 2001 BATODWebsite: www.BATOD.org.uk 21 The Haystacks, High WycombeAnswerphone / fax 01494 464190 page 13 Bucks HP13 6PY

The Autumn meeting, ‘Sound Field Systems’, was presented by Stuart Bowen and Robert Taylor of PCWerth, who provided us with an excellent presentation on this innovative system for mainstream schools.Once again the committee of the Wales Region has worked very hard on behalf of their colleagues,particularly the secretary and NEC representative Marian Williams. She has been instrumental inorganising a number of initiatives that have enhanced the reputation of BATOD in Wales. BATOD Wales isgrateful to all members of the committee and others who have worked hard this year. ‘Diolch y fawr’.Thanks dueThere are many people who need to be thanked for their contributions throughout the year. Without a hugeamount of voluntary hard work and good will the association would not be able to achieve a fraction of whatit does. Thank you then, to all who work for the association and congratulations on what we have achievedduring this year.Region OfficersNorthern IrelandChairperson: Mrs Margaret Nelson, 35 Tweskard Park, Belfast BT4 2JZSecretary: Mr Alan Offord, 41 Station Road, Portstewart, Co Londonderry BT55 7HHTreasurer: Mrs Paula McCaughey, 23 Manse Park, Belfast BT8 8RXScotlandChairman:Secretary:Treasurer:Ms Isobel Aitken, 1 High Street, Old Aberdeen AB24 3EEMs Margaret Highet, 26 Sinclair Drive, Largs, Ayrshire KA30 9BLMrs Ann Dykes, 4 Grieve Croft, Silverwood, Bothwell, Glasgow G71 8LUWalesChairperson: Mr Stan Cornelius, 20 Cae Du Road, Ogmore Vale, Bridgend CF32 7DRSecretary: Mrs Marian Williams, Tyr’ Grifften, 79 Pen y Graig, Pontardwe SA8 3BSTreasurer: Mrs Norma Moses, 28 Pen Y Groes, Groesfaen, Pont Y Clun, Mid Glamorgan CF7 8PAMidlandChairperson: Ms Pauline Cobbold, Hearing-Impaired Service, Sanford House, Sanford St, Swindon, Wilts SN1 1QHSecretary: Mrs Janet Guest, The Glebe Centre, Glebe Street, Wellington, Telford TF1 1JPTreasurer: Mr Robert Miller, 13 Derby Close, The Meadows, Broughton Astley, Leics LE9 6BENorthChairperson: Ms Hilary Ambrose, 4 Viewlands Close, Penistone, Sheffield S36 8HUSecretary: Mr Chris Payton, 19 Lawnswood Park Road, Swinton, Manchester M27 5NJTreasurer: Aftab-i-Haque, 67 Belgrave Road, Oldham OL8 1LUSouthChairperson: Ms Lynne Williams, Physical & Sensory Services, Invicta House, County Hall, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1XXSecretary: Mrs Angie Reese, 9 Wychwood Close, Canons Park, Edgware, Middlesex HA8 6TETreasurer Ms Cindy Paulding, Primary Hearing Centre, Kingsley Primary School, Chapman Road, Croydon CR0 3NXSouth WestChairperson: Mr John Shaw, School House, Weirfield Road, Exeter, Devon EX2 4DNSecretary: Mrs Fiona Elsworth, Sunspot, Liftondown, Lifton, Devon PL16 0DBTreasurer: Miss Harriet Nott, ‘Ygorow Dew’, 75 Stannary Road, Stenalees, St Austell, Cornwall PL25 8SWemail: secretary@BATOD.org.uk BATOD Annual report 2001 BATODWebsite: www.BATOD.org.uk 21 The Haystacks, High WycombeAnswerphone / fax 01494 464190 page 14 Bucks HP13 6PY

Elections to the National Executive Council 2002NominationsAlthough there are nominations to fill vacancies on the National Executive Council there is no election thisyear. The election statements of those nominated were published with the December 2001 Magazine. Forthis election there are two vacant posts on the Professional Development Committee. The two nominationsare therefore accepted without a ballot.OfficersPresident ElectHonorary TreasurerStanding committeesAudiology & ICTEducational ManagementMembership, Administration & PublicityProfessional DevelopmentProfessional DevelopmentSteering GroupPresidentPresident ElectPast PresidentAssistant SecretaryTreasurerConsultantCarole SturtBevan Reginald McCrackenRussell P BrettChris David George OwenElizabeth Anne PoyserBeverley MageePauline CobboldMembers of the National Executive Council March 2002David HartleyCarole SturtSue ArchboldJenny BaxterBev McCrackenTed MooreA&ICTSharon PointeerPeter PrestonRussell BrettJenny NicholsonMaggie DenholmSue ArchboldSecretaryEducational ManagementTina WakefieldCorinda CarnelleyChris OwenMarian WilliamsAmanda RobbieBev McCrackenJenny BaxterPaul SimpsonPaul SimpsonMembership, Administration & PublicityJacqui HurleyElizabeth PoyserFiona AtkinsHelen GriffithJean McIlroyAnn UnderwoodDavid HartleyProfessional DevelopmentLucy LeithCarole SturtBeverley MageePauline CobboldMargaret NelsonJohn ShawAlison WeaverThink about standing for NEC next yearBATOD members are urged to consider sharing their expertise, skills and enthusiasm with colleagues by servingon National Executive Council committees and working parties. Seven regions/countries serve BATOD memberslocally providing contacts, workshops and meetings. Local networking is important to ensure that information andgood practice are shared.Please contact the Secretary, Paul Simpson, so that you may be included in on-going work.email: secretary@BATOD.org.uk BATOD Annual report 2001 BATODWebsite: www.BATOD.org.uk 21 The Haystacks, High WycombeAnswerphone / fax 01494 464190 page 15 Bucks HP13 6PY

Current membership figuresFULL ASSOC RETIRED UNWAGED LIFE TOTALMIDLAND 325NORTH 405N.IRELAND 55SCOTLAND 125SOUTH 615SOUTH WEST 120WALES 95OVERSEAS 12TOTAL 1752Annual membership subscriptions from 1 August 2002Membership Category Annual Quarterly ChequeDirect Debit Direct DebitFull members in employment £ 49.50 £ 13.00 £ 55.00Associate members in employment £ 49.50 £ 13.00 £ 55.00Full members taking a career break £ 24.75 £ 6.50 £ 27.50Associate members - unwaged £ 24.75 £ 6.50 £ 27.50Retired members £ 24.75 £ 6.50 £ 27.50This subscription can be claimed against income tax: for those who pay tax at 40%this means a saving of approx £20.00 pa and for those members in the lower banda saving of some £10.00. You do not normally need a receipt for this, just put it onyour income tax form.For those Retired members who no longer wish to receive the Journal there is a concession to pay areduced subscription. This concession also applies to Associate members who are employed as LearningSupport Assistants or in similar rôles and who do not wish to receive the Journal.The NEC has decided that Retired Members who reach the age of 80 should be given free membership ofthe Association. This is largely due to representations made by Mr Rudolf Crossley. Any members whoreach this milestone are invited to contact the Treasurer who will then make the necessary arrangements.Full and Associate members who are entitled to a reduced subscription should notify the BATOD NationalTreasurer of the circumstances by 30 June for the following year’s membership to enable the necessarypaperwork to be completed.Anyone with a change in circumstances (eg changing to retired status) should inform the BATOD NationalTreasurer as soon as they are able. Cheque payers will be sent a reminder about payment in June. DirectDebits will be altered automatically for payments in August and beyond.Members are reminded that membership of the Association is only open to individuals. There is nocategory for Service or School membership. We are aware that some members have their subscriptionpaid for them and that some have their mailing to their work address. Only the named individual is themember and no other person at that address can claim any benefits of membership.Any enquiries should be made toBATOD National TreasurerMr Bev McCracken200 Bramhall Lane SouthBramhall, StockportSK7 3AATel / Fax 0161 439 4586email: treasurer@BATOD.org.ukemail: secretary@BATOD.org.uk BATOD Annual report 2001 BATODWebsite: www.BATOD.org.uk 21 The Haystacks, High WycombeAnswerphone / fax 01494 464190 page 16 Bucks HP13 6PY

The British Association of Teachers of the DeafBalance Sheet - 31 July 20012001 2000£ £ASSETSCash at bankDeposit accounts 19,663 1,553Current accounts 429 20,092 -1,391 162National SavingsInvestment Accounts 9,024 27,950Income Bond 8,000 17,024 8,000 35,950Investments at cost£870 3.5% Funding Stock (1999-2004) 324 324£117 Charities Official Investment Fund 190 514 190 514Equipment -at written down value 1,633 612Add: additions at cost this year 38 1,3091,671 1,921Less: depreciation this year 251 1,420 288 1,633£ 39,050 £ 38,259ACCUMULATED FUNDSGeneral Fund -4,813 -4,059Eichholz Memorial Fund 747 704Mary Grace Wilkins Travelling Scholarship Fund 29,270 37,394Contingency Fund 4,220 4,220£ 39.050 £ 38,259B. McCracken ......................................................... ....................................................................Honorary TreasurerCommittee memberAccountant’s report to the members of the British Association of Teachers of the Deafin accordance with the instructions given to us we have prepared, without carrying out an audit, theseaccounts from the records and information supplied.Bolton25 January 2002email: secretary@BATOD.org.uk BATOD Annual report 2001 BATODWebsite: www.BATOD.org.uk 21 The Haystacks, High WycombeAnswerphone / fax 01494 464190 page 17 Bucks HP13 6PY

Statement of Account - year to 31 July 2001General Account2001 2000INCOME £ £Membership subscriptions 59,538 59,645Publication and Journal receipts 27,544 23,385Interest on investments 1,617 1,062Conference receipts 19,208 35,021Grants 16,000 9,879Donations and bequests 9,000EXPENDITURE132,907 128,992Officers’ expenses 7,996 8,137Meeting expenses 2,031 2,965NEC expenses 12,586 17,538Committee expenses: A&ICT 300 188EM 1,093 720MAP 895 887PD 67 363Journal expenses 18,114 16,390Magazine expenses 46,218 29,449Payments to regions 3,081 4,394Conference costs 19,258 37,244Survey 8,669 7,560Exhibition costs 850 115Miscellaneous 1,933 3,053Professional fees 590 590Taxation 103 539Depreciation of equipment 251 124,035 288 130,420SURPLUS (2000 Deficit) 8,872 -1,428Fund balance brought forward -4,059 -2,631Fund balance carried forward - adverse balance £ 4,813 £ -4,059Eichholz Memorial Fund2001 2000INCOME £ £Bank deposit interest 2 2Charities Official Investment Fund dividends 41 4243 44EXPENDITUREPrizes given - 50SURPLUS (2000 Deficit) -6 42Fund balance brought forward 704 710Fund balance carried forward £ 747 £ 704Contingency Fund2001 2000£ £INCOME - -EXPENDITURE - -SURPLUS - -Fund balance brought forward 4,220 4,220Fund balance carried forward £ 4,220 £ 4,220Mary Grace Wilkins Travelling Scholarship FundRegistered Charity No. 2825502001 2000£ £INCOMENational Savings Interest 867 757Bank Deposit Interest 9 8876 765EXPENDITUREAwards given - -Transfer to General Fund -8,124SURPLUS -8,124 765Fund balance brought forward 37,394 36,629Fund balance carried forward £ 29,270 £ 37,394email: secretary@BATOD.org.uk BATOD Annual report 2001 BATODWebsite: www.BATOD.org.uk 21 The Haystacks, High WycombeAnswerphone / fax 01494 464190 page 18 Bucks HP13 6PY

Published by The British Association of Teachers of the Deaf, 41 The Orchard, Leven, Beverley HU17 5QAPrinted by White Horse Press, 1 Hambridge Lane, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 5TU