Are deaf people in the UK going to lose their sign language interpreting services?

From Unite Union: Fears have been expressed that sign language interpreting services for the UK's 100,000 deaf population could plummet, if further privatisation takes place, Unite, the country's largest union, has warned.

Unite is concerned that downward pressure on costs and standards could mean staff with fewer - or even no - qualifications could make mistakes when a deaf person is having a vital medical procedure or on trial where a miscarriage of justice could happen landing them in prison.

The National Union of British Sign Language Interpreters (NUBSLI), a branch of Unite, wants full consultation on a new framework document being considered by the Crown Commercial Services (CCS), the government procurement department. Ideally, it would like the framework document scrapped.

A recent snapshot survey by NUBSLI said that 48 per cent of those who responded are considering leaving the profession. Of those who were considering leaving, 93 per cent were qualified and about half of those had over 10 years' experience.

NUBSLI said that the framework document will open the door for further privatisation of the service which could adversely impact on the UK's 1,100 sign language interpreters with big private companies driving out the smaller agencies which commission the interpreters.

Mental health and culture learning materials for undergraduate health professionals – including Indigenous mental health

News from The Lowitja Institute (Australia): The 'Reshaping Curricula' Project has developed a series of free, online, mental health and culture resources for undergraduate health professionals. The resources have been generated as part of an Office for Learning and Teaching funded, multi-institutional project which includes Flinders University, University of Newcastle, Edith Cowan University and Central Queensland University.

These innovative virtual teaching and learning resources incorporate four 'guided learning journeys' and associated course material. Two of the learning journeys focus on Indigenous mental health.

For more information and to learn more about how you can use these resources contact Professor Eimear Muir-Cochrane: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Association for Childhood Education International. Will you join?

acei125 The Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) is a human development organization whose mission is to promote and support the optimal education, development, and well-being of children worldwide.

ACEI advances its mission through:

the publication of the award-winning journals 'Childhood Education and Journal of Research in Childhood Education'
creating opportunities for knowledge sharing and collaboration among childhood advocates, programs like the Decade for Childhood (www.decadeforchildhood.org ) and Love Me, Teach Me (http://www.acei.org/loveme.html )
and events, including the Global Summit for Childhood.

ACEI is also leading the development of the concept of Education Diplomacy (www.educationdiplomacy.org ), which uses the tools of diplomacy to advance education worldwide.

We are a dedicated and diverse group of childhood education and development advocates from around the world, and we offer membership categories designed to suit any childhood professional

Join today http://www.acei.org/join-acei/joinrenew-acei-membership] for access to resources, events, and networking opportunities designed to make you a more effective advocate for children. If you have questions or want to learn more, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Go to:www.acei.org

Interventions in Childhood: Master of Science with a major in Child Studies

jonkoping120 The Master's programme Interventions in Childhood is an interdisciplinary education focusing on effective intervention techniques for children in need of support — beyond what is normally provided to all children.

The programme is grounded in an ecological perspective on child development, learning, and functioning. Influences are observed at various levels, from biological to environmental, or from 'neurons to neighbourhoods'. A critical perspective focusing on the individual, the environment, and their interrelationship, is emphasised.

The programme addresses everyday life situations of children in various settings, including family, preschool/school, hospital, and community. A biopsycho-ecological model is used as a frame of reference and the connection between research and practical everyday work is stressed.

Degree: 1 year, 60 credits. Master of Science with a major in Child Studies.

Go to: http://hj.se/hlk/en/education/master/interventions-in-childhood.html