The Creating Opportunities Fund (COF) supports interpreters from developing countries in the Australasia/Oceania region to come to Australia for professional development and networking opportunities, including attending the ANC and ITN Symposium.

Interpreters in Australia are fortunate to be able to access training opportunities, have health and safety supports, a Code of Ethics, and to be paid for their work. However, signed language interpreters in developing countries may not share these benefits.

Therefore, to support our colleagues in developing nations, the ASLIA Creating Opportunities Fund (COF) was established. Since 2007 ASLIA has supported interpreters from developing countries to attend the ANC and ITN Symposium.

Assistance in this context means providing funds that will allow colleagues from income poor countries to attend the ASLIA National Conference in 2012, and to support them in:

• Developing a network of contacts that can offer training, support, information and advice;
• Advocating and participating in discussions that affect their work;
• Participating in discussions that affect our profession;
• Sharing experiences and exchanging information.

What will be funded: The COF will cover costs for the selected interpreters to attend ANC. This includes travel costs, Visa costs, accommodation and conference fees.