Who is the conference for?

The conference is aimed at all those involved in the support of Deaf people, and at Deaf people themselves. This includes: Sign Language interpreters, Communication Support Workers, trainees, interpreting students, Deaf Studies students, lecturers for Deaf people, interpreting agencies, lip-speakers, note-takers, d/Deaf people and support service providers.

What languages will the conference use?

The conference will be conducted in written English. Although we would like to, we cannot offer all the conference information in sign language. In the last conference we had participants from 19 countries, all using different sign languages. We also cannot assume that everyone will have high enough bandwidth to receive a large amount of video footage over the Internet

What is an online conference?

Traditional conferences mean participants have to travel and stay in a particular place. This takes time and is expensive. An online conference uses the Internet as a conference 'venue'. This means that participants can access the conference from anywhere in the world and can do this at any time. Participants will be able to log on as little or as much as they wish to - before, after or during office hours. They are given a password to access the various conference and seminar groups as well as live chat. Anyone with access to the Internet can participate.

The conference will use discussion group software (like a bulletin board), and is backed up by a web site with additional content. Participants log in and read the messages and contributions from other participants, facilitators and presenters. All discussions within the conference will be asynchronous, meaning there will be no set time when participants have to log in. There will also be a chat area where people can talk in real-time as well.

What will happen during the conference?

Each keynote presentation will feature for three days and participants will be able to read papers and have a debate about the issues raised in which the presenters will participate. Simultaneously, there will be a number of other seminars and discussions, usually backed up with other papers. A live chat room is also available for participants. The conference will also feature a supporting web site with materials and links to articles and other information of interest.

There is also a notice board where participants can post information about projects they are involved in, inform participant of events, links, etc. Students/researchers can also post essays and dissertations.

See here for information about the presenters.

Do I need any special equipment or software?

No. Just access to the Internet, and a browser.

Do I have to log on from the same computer all the time?

No. Because this is an Internet conference, you can log on from any computer.

How much time will I have to spend at the conference?

Like any conference, if you don't go into the conference room, you will miss out on information. The conference won't stop just because you are not logged in, so checking in regularly will allow you to keep up to date with what's going on.

To participate fully it is important to set some time aside to log in and read and compose postings.

We would recommend that you spend at least 1 – 2 hours a day at the conference. This will allow you to keep up with debates and the volume of messages coming in.

What if I can’t log in every day?

Although we recommend that you log in at least once a day to read daily summaries, if you can't, please don’t get overwhelmed with the number of messages that will be posted to the conference. If you get behind, use the summaries which are posted each day to catch up.

Will I be able to practise before I start?

Participants will have the opportunity to have a look at the conference environment in advance of the conference to familiarise themselves with the layout of the site, and try out the conference software.

I live in a different time zone, does this matter?

No. The conference is not real time. You can log into the conference at any time, whatever time it is throughout the world.

I don’t use the Internet much, is there any help available?

Not only will instructions be sent to you with your passwords, but there will be technical staff on call during the conference, contactable via email.

Are there any rules about the conference I should be aware of?

Yes. There is an Acceptable Use Policy which participants have to adhere to during the conference. Participants will be sent this when they register.

Who are the organisers?

The conference is being organised by Direct Learn.