BATOD Annual Conference - Progress of Deaf students compared to their hearing peersBristol

Teachers of the Deaf (ToDs) gathered here to network, hear the latest research on the progress of deaf students compared to their hearing peers. One observation that interested me is the slower personal development of deaf students because they spend a greater proportion of their learning time with adults.

I attended a a workshop on how to conduct noise measurements for learning environments, by Campbell Associates. They highlighted three key measures they take:

• 1. Background Noise Measurement
• 2. Measurement of Reverberation Time
• 3. Speech Intelligibility Test

I can't think of many public spaces that score highly on these count but awareness is growing! Adam

Howzat!!!!!? - Elite disabled cricketers

Yesterday, the English Cricket Board gave me the opportunity to work alongside fast bowling coach 'Shine', at Loughborough University. He was giving tips and detailed practical advice through video analysis to a group of elite disabled cricketers. I () signed for deaf England players James and Paul.

Three partially sited and two blind cricketers were also present. With a rattling ball and a team mate calling from the wicket these guys were able to bowl at speed with accuracy and regularly hit the wicket.

As a sports specialist myself, I was fascinated and impressed by the quality of the whole presentation. I learned a lot about bowling and how to encourage a sportsman. A dvd is currently being compiled based on the days events, with me signing. It was a great experience.

Sensory loss can be compensated for we just need to be open to it... Cheers. Helen