SPIT News - Issue 27, December 2001
| Welcome to new SPIT members!
Caroline Bradley, a past member of the Executive Committee, who gave birth to Alexander John Bradley-Price on 22 September, and to Sarah Sills, SPIT's Administrator, who gave birth to Jacob, on Tuesday 13 November. The news is that both boys are smiling & laughing, putting on weight rapidly and keeping the parents busy with lots of loud crying! I'm sure that, as members of SPIT, you join us in welcoming the boys to the world, and wishing them lots of love and happiness! If you have any questions about SPIT or sign language interpreted performances, please contact Sarah (see our contact page), who will be happy to answer your questions. |
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SPIT Annual General MeetingThe SPIT AGM was held at the offices of English Touring Theatre in London, on 11 October 2001. We were delighted that so many members were able to attend; Sadler's Wells, STAGETEXT, The Cliffs Pavilion and the Jewish Deaf Association, as well as several Deaf and hard of hearing members who go to the theatre regularly. It was incredibly useful to meet people who represented a wide range of interests, and we would like to thank you for your helpful comments on SPIT's business plan (see last newsletter for topics). One of the main topics was captioned performances. Due to increasing demand, it was agreed that, in future, SPIT would include listings for captioned performances alongside sign language interpreted performances. At present there is only one organisation offering a captioning service - STAGETEXT a charity set up to make theatre accessible to people with a hearing loss. Since November 2000, STAGETEXT has captioned performances for a variety of theatre, including the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Young Vic. SPIT are meeting with STAGETEXT in January to explore ways in which we can promote captioned performances to our members. We will keep you in touch with future developments. Following talks with ASLI (Association of Sign Language Interpreters), please note our new policy on sign language interpreters for theatre now includes ASLI licensed and associate members. One of SPIT's objectives is to raise standards of sign language interpretation in theatre. A suitably trained and qualified interpreter is fundamental to the provision of high quality sign language interpreted performances. SPIT strongly recommends that arts organisations only engage interpreters who are CACDP or SASLI qualified or trainee registered or ASLI licensed or associate members. A track record in interpreted performance is also recommended. Captioned PerformancesFor further information about captioned performances, a demonstration of the equipment or how you could plan one for your organisation, please contact Peter Pullen or Merfyn Williams at STAGETEXT, 75 Canfield Gardens, London NW6 3EA Voice 020 7372 1246 |
Deaf Awareness Training
The SPIT team sets off in the New Year, running full-day workshops on Deaf Awareness, in London, Cambridge and Leeds. Experienced trainer, John Wilson, SPIT board member and Deaf Arts Officer for shape London, leads each workshop.