Tamara Doyle-Bates, a DRI, writes:

I saw the flyer and thought “wow why not register”? I watched all three DVDs. Phew it took a long time but was very interesting!

On the Saturday 13 October I arrived and watched all the questions and answers. I had been told it would only tale 30 minutes, but it took me ages! Anyway it was fun and I met new people, one from Red Cliffs and one from Melbourne. Have a look at the photos of us smiling!

Keiron Wood writes:

During a mentoring session the NABS training dvd’s were discussed as a way to improve skills and of receiving feedback but was difficult to organise if you didn't have the equipment or couldn't set aside the time at home to do it. Hey! What if other interpreters feel the same way???

From this idea, Julie Judd organised with ASLIA and NABS to hold a PD for those interested in completing the training. Susan Emerson came on board to help, Sasha Hough was in charge of the technical equipment and Vicdeaf gave us the space to use.

Interested interpreters were allocated a time to come and film themselves. It would be private with 3 separate rooms available for interpreters to come and do their thing. It was all set.

Saturday morning things started to go awry. Julie was unable to attend, (Susan, Sasha and myself stood in) the dvd’s would not play in some of the laptops, interpreters were sick…..it was a long day!

Initially we had one computer and camera set up, then two and then three.

I managed to tape myself (something which I hate doing) - I sat in front of the video camera and went through question by question, scenario by scenario and finished in just under an hour (phew!) I felt uncomfortable, knew I was making mistakes and wanted to go back and start again many times. But the objective of the day was to “just do it” like it happens at an assignment. I am not being judged by NABS, I will receive feedback which will enable me to focus on the areas I need to improve and continue my learning.

The tapes are being burned onto dvd by the lovely Sasha and will be forwarded to NABS. The dvd’s will be returned, along with the feedback, to the interpreters.

The day didn’t go as smoothly as planned, we had a few teething problems (a learning curve), but overall I felt it was worthwhile. I don’t have access to a video camera and would find it hard to allocate time to do it at home. I would definitely attend another if it was offered.