I have responsibility for overseeing the implementation of the British Sign Language (BSL) Plan for the University of Edinburgh. I will be working with colleagues in various departments across the University to ensure their services will be more accessible for those who use BSL.

As part of the BSL (Scotland) Act 2015 Partnership in which there are five organisations, we are funded by the Scottish Government to support public bodies with their BSL Local Authority Plans. In my role as Project Development Officer, I support universities and colleges all around Scotland with the development of their respective BSL Local Authority Plans. I do this by offering advice and guidance as well as signposting where relevant. I also support BSL users aged 18-30 (16/17 if in full-time FE/HE) to ensure that they are fully participating within their FE/HE institution and also support them with participation in the wider society.I also support the Youth Work Coordinator at Deaf Action by overseeing the Youth Service, supporting sessional youth workers and building up links with external organisations focused on services for young people.

I am the Participation Officer at Deaf Action. We are funded by the Scottish Government and we work with other partner organisations to support the implementation of the British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015 and empower those who speak BSL.My remit covers all over Scotland, supporting Deaf adults aged 18 – 30 (16/17 if in full time Further/Higher education (FE/HE)) to participate and contribute to the fullest in society, and I will also be supporting further and higher education (FE/HE) institutions with their own BSL Authority Plans following the publication of the BSL National Plan in October 2017.I am keen to reach out to Deaf students in Scotland and meet with them to see how I can best support them in ensuring that there is full participation within their educational institution. Likewise, I am also keen to support individual FE/HE institutions in ensuring that their educational institution is able to achieve what the BSL (Scotland) Act 2015 sets out to do.If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me via email: alison.hendry@deafaction.org

As Youth Participation Officer, I engaged with young Deaf people all over Scotland aged 10 - 18. My role involved delivering workshops in schools and youth services, looking at different topics such as citizenship, empowerment, identity, as well as more information about the BSL (Scotland) Act 2015 and how this would impact on their life as a young Deaf person. I also provided support to three young Deaf people who acted as representatives on the National Advisory Group (NAG), contributing towards the development of the BSL National Plan.

Youth Worker for the Deaf Action Youth Service, Edinburgh.Working on a fortnightly basis (weekly during school holidays), I help out at the Youth Club - Deaf Express - at Deaf Action. We do a range of activities such as parties, workshops, as well as arranging trips out to places for the children to get involved with and enjoy. This is a great role for me to work in as it allows me to take on board best of both worlds - using speech and British Sign Language with the children,

I support the Activity Leader and Activity Co-ordinator at events organised for young Deaf children. I am responsible for ensuring that the children and volunteers involved are safe and healthy, participating in activities to the best of their ability. I also provide peer support to colleagues.

I am responsible for delivering training to mainstream organisations explaining how to make their activities more deaf friendly for deaf children who may be looking to join their club. I will also be in discussion with parents, children and young people to see what their needs are and how these can be achieved.

I provide administration support to the Third Sector & Volunteering Hubs team by updating databases, managing the website and social media and sending out regular bulletins to external organisations. I also oversee the administration of the Saltire Awards, recognising young people who give their time volunteering. I provide support and information to people who are interested in volunteering within Perth and Kinross.

Supported the Sports Equalities Officer by updating databases, sending out emails to parents and schools. Organising events for children who had disabilities and/or additional support needs. I was involved with the Youth Games in 2013 which was a lot of fun!

Assisting the swimming coaches by supporting the children in the water and providing 1:1 support if needed. A great experience, one I thoroughly enjoyed.

I assisted some of the rugby coaches in training the young children (usually P1-3) how to play rugby as part of a work placement set up through college to build up knowledge and confidence.