Local Deaf charity is working towards raising educational standards

BID services with Deaf people have successfully become part of a major European project that is set to break down educational barriers faced by people with learning disabilities and sensory impairment.

GOAL.NET, which is being lead by Nottingham Trent University, will use a series of interactive computer games to develop basic vocational skills such as travel training, communication support, CV writing, job search, work experience, health and safety training, employment rights and benefits advice.

Funding for the project has been attained from the Leonardo Da Vinci programme that aims to improve the provision of work based learning.  The programme is part of the European Commission’s new Life Long Learning Programme which aims to build skilled workforces throughout Europe.

The project is made up of 5 organisations working as partners, these are Nottingham Trent University, BID Services with Deaf people, Greenhat Interactive, all UK based; Zgura-M, based in Bulgaria and Greece based E-Isotis.  All of the partners will be developing different areas of the project based on their expertise.

BID have been brought in to focus specifically on the educational needs of Deaf people and are interested to see how the project can help Deaf people over come the communications barriers faced in an educational environment.

“For Deaf people learning new skills can be extremely difficult because of the language and communication barriers that exist on a daily basis.  Developing new and innovative e-learning tools is vital if we are to move educational development forward, promote independence and create accessibility.”  

Commented Steve Richardson, Project co-ordinator for BID.

Representatives from the 5 organisations working on GOAL.NET recently came together for the first Transitional Partner Meeting at the UK’s first purpose built Deaf Cultural Centre in Birmingham.  The meeting, which was held from 6th – 8th December, brought the representatives together to discuss how the project can move forward, allocate roles and responsibilities and provide an opportunity to establish a spirit of co-operation and team building through getting to know each other better.

“The topics of the meeting might not sound too interesting but we really made some good progress.  For the project to work it was essential that we put the foundations in place and made sure we are all on the same page.”

Steve went on to say...

“The most exciting parts of the project are yet to come and we are confident that the changes we can make will bring real benefits around how e-learning is used in educating people with learning disabilities and sensory impairment.”

For more information on this story or to arrange an interview with a BID spokesperson please contact:

Anthony Beeby
Campaign Manager
BID Services with Deaf people
Deaf Cultural Centre
Ladywood Rd
Ladywood
Birmingham
B16 8SZ

Tel: 0121 450 7749
Email: anthony.beeby@bid.org.uk    
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Notes to Editors:
About BID Services with Deaf People:
BID works to support the Deaf community in the West Midlands. It has travelled a long way from its modest beginnings in the latter part of the 19th Century, when its prime function was "to provide relief to Deaf people and attend to their spiritual needs".

BID has developed a reputation for providing innovative, high quality services to meet the many and varied needs of Deaf people.  Today BID provides Care Management, Deaf Awareness, Support & Advice, Interpreting Services, Youth Work, and Equipment Sales amongst a growing portfolio of services.

Successful partnership and funding arrangements have been developed with colleges, housing associations, trusts, businesses and other organisations, which has helped BID to become more effective in pursuing its aims and objectives.

But still BID depends to a large extent upon private and voluntary donations to continue its work. Whether it's providing toys and videos for young Deaf children, or supporting Deaf people through interpreting or advocacy, we still need help – contact the Fundraising Department on 0121 246 6100 for information on how you can help.