Interesource Group

European Language Label 2013 for MEDISIGNS Project

The European Language Label is an award for innovative language-learning projects. It rewards creative ways to improve the quality of language teaching, motivate learners and make the best of available resources.

Winning projects must demonstrate creative thinking and lead to improved teaching provision and learner achievement. They must be innovative, effective and replicable by across Europe.

Interesource Group (Ireland) Limited led an international team of experts in the development of MEDISIGNS which was funded under the Life Long Learning programme in partnership with the Centre for Deaf Studies, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, University of Nicosia, Cyprus, The Foundation for the Promotion of Entrepreneurship, Poland, Stockholm University, Sweden and Heriot-Watt University, Scotland.

MEDISIGNS represents a ground-breaking initiative that focuses on providing language and communication skills to Deaf people, interpreters and those in the medical profession.

Haaris Sheikh, Project Chair and Chief Executive of Interesource Group says that “one of the most important things we want to do is to show how Deaf patients, doctors and nurses, and interpreters can work together to get the best results. Good communication doesn’t depend only on the interpreter: everyone has to co-operate”.

Sometimes it is not possible to get an interpreter in a healthcare setting, often leaving a Deaf person or the healthcare provider in a situation which potentially compromises the level of patient care being delivered. Potentially, this forces a Deaf patient to either wait until an interpreter becomes available, or rely on a family or friend to casually interpret on their behalf. This is not ideal especially in medial situations that are sensitive, confidential or private in nature. From the perspective of a Deaf community and the project consortium, it is important to note that the provision of qualified interpreters, and especially those trained in healthcare aspects, is not viewed as a luxury but as a fundamental human right to the access and provision of appropriate healthcare.

Products addressing this need have been developed before, however they have been largely produced to serve a single geographic market and a single user group. MEDISIGNS has been rolled out in 5 countries and targets 3 distinct user groups in Ireland, Cyprus, Poland, Sweden and the UK.

Products include:

• Multilingual on-line course on medical interpreting in 5 countries;
• A European report on Deaf healthcare provision: “A Prescription For Change: Report On EU Healthcare Provision For Deaf Sign Language Users”.
• Professional Master classes series;
• iPhone App in English and also an iPhone glossary
• Workshops for sign language interpreters who work in medical settings;
• Workshops for health professionals providing them with a better understanding of what they need to know when working with Deaf patients and interpreters;
• Workshops for Deaf people to inform them on issues that arise in medical encounters and tips on how to get the best from interpreted medical encounters.
• Documentary: “Deaf Healthcare – A Matter of Interpretation”

The official award ceremony takes place on October 4th 2013.

Further information and access to products through:  www.medisignsproject.eu

Interesource Group is now an IMCA Registered Consulting Practice

We are delighted that Interesource Group has become a Registered Consulting Practice of the Institute of Management Consultants and Advisers.

The IMCA is the national and internationally recognised professional institute for management consultants and business advisers in Ireland.

Haaris Sheikh (Chief Executive) is now recognised as a Certified Management Consultant (CMC). This is an internationally recognised management consultancy qualification based on strict certification requirements relating to competence, ethics and independence. Only members of ICMCI (International Council of Management Consulting Institutes) can award the CMC qualification and IMCA is a member of ICMCI. The IMCA aims to advance the professions of management consultancy and business advice by establishing and maintaining the highest standards of performance and conduct by our members, and by promoting the knowledge and skills required for that purpose. IMCA management consultants follow a strict code of conduct and practice guidelines.