Part of our role is to advocate for the Deaf community. Our community has seen some changes for the better in recent years. One of these is the NZSL Act passed by parliament in April 2006.
The Act:
- Was developed for Deaf community members to have the right to use New Zealand Sign Language in legal settings
- Suggests regulations for interpreter competency standards
- Contains principles to guide government departments in promoting and using NZSL
While the NZSL Act was an important step, there is more work to do - particularly in the areas of education and justice.
In education, we need more teachers in mainstream schools who can use NZSL fluently and more NZSL interpreters. We need more Deaf schools and units so Deaf students don't have to relocate to Auckland or Christchurch to access education in sign language. And we need improved access to interpreters for Deaf parents so they can understand and fully participate in school activities such as fundraising and sports events, PTA meetings and parent/teacher interviews.
Deaf people face a number of barriers to equal justice. Imagine what misunderstandings can result when a Deaf person is pulled over or arrested and the police officer can't communicate in NZSL. Or how difficult it is for a Deaf person to follow court proceedings. These situations are examples of why it is so important we work to improve access to NZSL and Deaf awareness in the justice sector.
Please get in touch if you would like to know more about our advocacy work in these areas - or if you would like to get involved.
