The Central Auslan Booking Service (CABS) was established in June of 2006 with funding provided by Skills Victoria (then the Office of Training and Tertiary Education). Its purpose is to provide a central booking point for Disability Liaison Officers (DLOs) who require the services of an Auslan interpreter. Additionally, CABS acts as a resource and point of reference for DLOs, TAFE teachers and interpreters providing information, support and advice on both a systemic level through such activities as professional development opportunities and the production of resources as well as on an ad hoc level, upon request.
CABS has grown significantly since its establishment in 2006, which saw bookings received that totalled a mere 794 student contact hours. For 2008, this number of student contact hours to June alone was 11,611.
The CABS booking system is operated via an online program that allows DLOs to enter their requirements for interpreters as well as allowing interpreters to view and express interest in work that is available. Currently there is no fee charged to TAFE DLOs requesting interpreters. Once an interpreter is assigned to a booking, the DLO for the particular institute will then take responsibility for the ongoing arrangement of payment to the interpreter and the interpreter is employed under the conditions of that particular institute. Employment arrangements and conditions vary from institute to institute. It is vital that interpreters familiarise themselves with the conditions, policies and procedures of each institute for whom they are employed.
CABS prides itself on the provision of a quality and responsive service that supports both DLOs and interpreters to ensure that students who are Deaf Auslan users receive appropriate interpreting support to enable them to have access to their chosen courses.
So, specifically what does CABS do to support:
DLOs
- Provision of an Auslan interpreter booking service that allows you to manage your need to have interpreters without needing to spend your valuable time locating and booking them
- Access to a greater number of qualified Auslan interpreters
- No administrative fees for making a booking
- Interpreter pay rates and conditions determined by you and your institute
- Provision of professional development to you or staff at your institute about the needs of deaf learners
- Support from booking staff with understanding and knowledge of the intricacies of TAFE and the tertiary sector
- Provision of free professional development for interpreters employed by you to ensure ongoing and appropriate skill development for the sector
- If desired, guidance to you regarding interpreting industry standards in relation to such issues as remuneration, minimum booking times and cancellation policies, OH&S issues, etc.
Click here to go to the CABS website, which will allow you (once you have registered) to log in and enter your booking – if you experience any difficulties, please feel free to contact us on (03) 9269 8308.
Auslan interpreters
- Free professional development that is relevant to working in the TAFE sector and satisfies NAATI Revalidation requirements
- Access to work that is available at multiple TAFE institutions that you can view via the Internet, potentially allowing you to work at (nearby) different institutions on the same day
- Support from trained and experienced educational interpreters who are always willing to discuss any issues and provide strategies for working in an educational environment
Click here to go to the CABS website, which will allow you (once you have registered) to log in and view available work in participating Victorian TAFE institutions – if you experience any difficulties, please feel free to contact us on (03) 9269 8308.
TAFE teachers
The Centre of Excellence for Students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing is able to provide quality, tailored professional development to address the needs of teaching staff in their efforts to meet the needs of deaf learners as well as to implement inclusive teaching strategies. The Centre has developed numerous resources, including:
- Navigating TAFE
- A Deaf Student in My Classroom?!
- Working with Interpreters and Notetakers
- Education Standards
- Deaf People and English Literacy
- Downloadable Information Sheets
