Hello,
My name is Amanda Howard I am a Rehabilitation Officer based in Tameside Services to Deaf People. I have been in the role of Technical and then Rehabilitation Officer for the last 11 &1/2 years
A job I have absolutely loved from day one!
 
 I have accepted the role of National Chair Person for the Technical Officer Association until the next AGM. I would like to say a massive thank you to Rolf who has been brilliant and inspiring in the role but who has now decided to stand down due to other pressures.
Rolf on behalf of everyone involved with the TOA (and a few who have not) we would like to wish you well and hope that you continue to take an active part in the continuation of the Association. You are a star!!!
 
I have been a member of the TOA for a few years watching it grow and gain momentum. This has been down to the sheer hard work of the committee members and all the regional chair persons and groups pulling together encouraging us all to stand as 'one body' It is not easy to keep people's interests high, encouraging them to come to meetings arranging speakers coercing some one to do the minuets and to get them on the web site, but the very fact this does happen tells me we are a needed support group, so many of us work in small teams or in isolation, the regional meetings are a vital part of how we acquire and share our knowledge.

It is my intention to do what ever I can to ensure this continues. I urge every Technical/Rehabilitation Officer to consider becoming a member of the TOA and attend the regional meetings.
I realise our role may have many different names depending where you are based the TOA is there for all people who who support Deaf, Deafened, Hard of hearing  and Deaf/Blind people. They supply equipment, aids and adaptations within their role.
Some of these meetings are quite a hoot as well as excellent net working opportunities. So go along and find out what is happening in your area.
 
If you managed to attend this years Equipment exhibition I truly hope you enjoyed it and managed to get a look at the pictures that have been sent out.
I think we all agree it was a great day at a great venue and the majority of people had a great time... Thank you Angie, Rolf, Mike  the exhibitors and everyone behind the scene for orchestrating this grand event!

I look forward to hearing from you and reading your comments on the New Web site. (take a good look at the Web site we would love to know any ideas you may have about it)
 
AND FINALLY... I would like to take this opportunity to say 'Thank you' to Angie Walters for her continued support we are very grateful, you do an excellent job.