Annual report 2002 - batod

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