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August 22, 2003

Deaf talkabout: Curtain rises on signed shows

From: Belfast Telegraph, UK - Aug 22, 2003

By Bob McCullough
featureseditor@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
22 August 2003

ANNE Craig, Education and Outreach officer at the Millennium Forum in Londonderry, writes about plans to have four new signed performances (in both BSL and ISL) this autumn and winter, starting with Marie Jones' West End and Broadway hit "Stones in his pocket" on Wednesday, October 1 and the Christmas panto "Aladdin" on Wednesday, December 17.

Anne says that the seating arrangements in their auditorium lend themselves very well to signed performances as the circle has seating arms on either side which lead down to the stage so that the deaf on each wing can have a good view of their respective interpreter.

Last year was the first time they had theatrical signings in the region and they were really delighted with the response.

If you would like to book for these performances using e-mail, the address is boxoffice@millenniumforum.co.uk You can also book by faxing 028 71 272799. The auditorium is fitted with a loop induction system for all the shows.

- From Derry, information also comes about a new course, organised by the Northern Ireland Deaf Youth Association, which can lead to qualification for a European Computer Driving Licence in seven modules to include: Basic concepts of information technology; using the computer and managing files; word processing; spreadsheets; database/ filing systems; presentation and drawing; e-mail and Internet use.

The venue is the Waterside Youth Centre, 40 Dungiven Road, Derry, and the cost is £5. The programme will run till the end of June 2004 with classes every Tuesday from 10am to 4pm. Contact the NIDYA training co-ordinator at Wilton House on fax 90 438566 or e-mail michaeljohnston@nideafyouthassociation.org.uk

- The Education and Library Board Youth Service Division is funding research into how inclusive youth services are for young deaf and hearing impaired people in the SELB area. Ciaran Doherty has been appointed research officer with the NIDYA to follow up the focus on the lives of these young folk.

If you are from the SELB area, aged between 11 and 35, have a hearing loss and would like to share your views or experience of youth service, contact Ciaran at the Brownlow Resource centre, Craigavon, fax 028 38 341813 or e-mail ciarany@o2.co.uk

© 2003 Independent Digital (UK) Ltd