The symbol is being launched to celebrate SPIT's second birthday. In the two years since SPIT was formed, membership has grown to over thirty members, representing theatres and companies throughout the UK, ranging from the Royal Shakespeare Company to
Theatre Powys and the Turtle Key Arts Centre. SPIT holds a database of experienced theatre interpreters for its members, to facilitate the provision of sign language interpreted performances, in addition to a database of Deaf attenders. The first national seminar to discuss the presentation of sign language interpreted performances was held in October, and there will be a programme of related events throughout 1996.
SPIT has been working closely with associated bodies such as the Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People (CACDP) and the Scottish Association for Sign Language Interpreters to promote its main aim of increasing access to theatre in all its forms for members of the Deaf community. CACDP has approved the recommendation from SPIT that only trainee registered and fully registered interpreters should be used for interpreting. The Department of National Heritage has used SPIT as a case study and model for good practice in its report Good Pmctice in Access Initiatives. SPIT has also undertaken the first piece of research into the views of Deaf attenders, funded by the Arts Council of England and London Arts Board.
SPIT is funded through members' subscriptions and supported by the Platinum Trust, the Foundation for Sport and the Arts, the Baring Foundation, the Mackintosh Foundation, the
David Cohen Family Charitable Trust, the Royal Victoria Hall Foundation, the Mercers
Company, the Worshipful Company of Skinners and the Morgan Crucible Company PLC.
Note to Editors: Please contact Sarah Sills 0181 202 1731 for further information about SPIT and future plans.