Two year report BCC (Bliss-symbolen Communicatiecentrum)

Netherlands  Flanders:

2000 - 2002

·       Board:

2000:

The board of the Bliss-foundation for the Dutch language met twice. he Executive Committee met once separately. There were 6 members at the board..

2001:

The board met twice, the Executive Committee once. We were glad to welcome new members on the board, especially  two mothers of a non speaking child. In total there are 8 members now.

2002:

Until now there was one Board meeting and one meeting of the Executive Committee. The number of members has not changed.

·       Finances:

In 2000 9 institutions donated money to keep things going at the BCC (fl. 6750 = € 3000). The BCC received donations in total fl. 1155,00 (= € 500).

In 2001 only 6 centres were prepared to support the BCC financially. (fl. 4500 = € 2000). Donations

brought us fl, 1225 (= € 500).

We hope this year at least 6 institutions will support us.

·       Activities:

In 2000:

-       A Bliss-weekend in Belgium in February with 28 participants from both countries.

-       Since March we started translating the Bliss Reference Guide into Dutch. Rotary Laren – Blaricum supports this project financially.

-       Oktober 7th there was a big meeting for Bliss-, SMOG- and Beta- users organised in Dominiek Savio Institute in Belgium.  There were 180 participants, among them the caregivers. It was a great day for all participants.

-       There was discussion at a regular basis with the Seminar for Orthopedagogics in Utrecht about starting a basic AAC course.

Working groups:

-       AAC and mentally handicap: this group met three times and discussed actual developments and case studies.

-       In Flanders the big Bliss-group met in November. The small group met several times to prepare the Bliss-weekend and the meeting of the big Bliss-group.

In 2001:

-       March and April a short (three evenings) AAC workshop including Blissymbol information at the Trappenberg, Netherlands

-       A Bliss-weekend in Belgium in March with 27 participants from both countries. Also siblings were welcome.

-       Still busy with translating the Bliss Reference Guide. Rotary organised a Golf tournament

which raised fl. 20.000 ( = € 8000) for the Dutch Dictionary project.

-       November and December AAC workshop in Flanders during 5 days. There were 32 participants.

Working groups:

-       AAC and mentally handicap: this group met three times and discussed actual developments and case studies.

-       In Flanders the big Bliss-group met in October. The subject was ‘The way of communication, expectations and disappointments.’ Also new symbols were discussed.

-       The small Bliss group met several times to prepare the Bliss-weekend 2002 and the meeting of the big group.

In 2002:

-       Bliss-weekend in Flanders with 29 participants from Belgium and the Netherlands.

International Activities:

In 2000:

-       one of us attended the Bliss Panel meeting at Lake Bala, Canada, summer 2000. There were discussions about the Fundamental Rules.

-       Two people attended the Bliss Affiliate meeting in Washington, July 2000.

-       Three employees of the BCC attended the ISAAC Conference in Washington.

       There was financial support of the Dr. W. Phelpsfoundation  and ISAAC NF.

-       Els Koerselman was a member of the BCI Board

In 2001:

-       As being the AAAC (Affiliate and Associate Affairs Committee) in October letters with questionnaires were sent to all addresses available and connected with Blissymbolics in a way.

-       Els Koerselman was a member of the BCI Board

In 2002:

-       More AAAC letters were sent in April.

-       Els Koerselman was a member of the BCI Board

Communicatie Drieluik:

In 2000:

There were problems in March when the final editor finished his job. A new person was found in September. There were 4 issues. There were 152 subscribers and also 129 ISAAC NF members. For   them the magazine was included in their ISAAC membership.

In 2001:

Again 4 issues. There were 151 subscribers and 139 ISAAC NF members.

The price raised from fl. 45 to 50 (= €22,50). This was the first change in price since 1989, the year Communicatie Drieluik started. This was agreed at the ISAAC NF membership meeting April 2001.

In 2002:

Again 4 issues. After almost twenty years of being one of the final editors(of Bliss-nieuws since September 1982 and Communicatie Drieluik since 1989) Caroline Bockweg resigned her job and was succeeded by Silvie Madou, one of her younger colleagues. Silvie feels very responsible and is dedicated to her new task.

Information/orders:

2000: Only 13 information kits about Blissymbolics were distributed.  There were more questions about AAC in general. Sometimes people ask more detailed symbol information.

2001: This year 8 information kits were sent. The same sort of general questions reached the BCC.

2002:  Until now we do not know exactly how many sets were sent.

Caroline Bockweg

July 2002