Deaf people across Aotearoa New Zealand will now have access to comprehensive advice about emergency preparedness, with New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week marking the launch of Get Ready in NZSL by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in partnership with Deaf Aotearoa. Getready.govt.nz supports individuals, whānau, communities, schools and … Read more
Not enough people in Tairāwhiti understand or are familiar with New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL), a community support worker says. NZSL is one of the official languages of this country. It is used by deaf people and those linked with them, such as people who have deaf relatives or interpreters … Read more
Hard-of-hearing people have extra challenges with the tightening of mask-wearing restrictions under the red light traffic setting against Covid-19. Monique Leith, who is the co-chair of the Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce, has high-frequency hearing loss so can hear only some low-frequency sounds with hearing aids. It’s a hereditary hearing … Read more
It feels “liberating” to access theatre and the arts when inclusion is embraced, says a Wellington man with a disability. “It makes me feel like I’m part of a wider society, and it has made me aware of a wider artistic world,” says Elliot Yates. Yates, 33, has cerebral palsy … Read more
Candice David loves her morning coffee. Every day, she heads to her favourite shop in Palmerston North, but for a moment sits in her car summoning the courage to walk in. David is Deaf and knows the road to getting her coffee is now marred with anxiety. Covid-19 means those … Read more
Deaf Aotearoa is pleased to see the Government’s recent announcement, by the Ministers for Disability Issues and Health, regarding reforms to New Zealand’s disability support system and the establishment of legislation to ensure access for Deaf and disabled New Zealanders. Deaf Aotearoa Chief Executive, Lachlan Keating, says the Government’s planned … Read more
New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) is one of Aotearoa’s official languages yet only about 0.5% of the population are able to use it to hold a conversation. While there have been significant improvements over the past 30 years in creating Deaf-inclusive environments, there is still more work to be done. … Read more
Westpac has become New Zealand’s first bank to offer free in-branch sign language interpreters for Deaf customers. Approximately 4,500 Deaf Kiwis use New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) as their first or preferred form of communication and more than 20,000 people in total use NZSL – including parents and family members who use it with their deaf family member. Because NZSL is a critical form of communication … Read more
New Zealand’s best and brightest have been recognised for their hard work in fighting for the rights, education, and access for the Deaf community in this year’s annual NZSL Awards. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the annual awards ceremony is taking on a more personal flavour in 2020 with each recipient … Read more
Michael Pulman – 5th June 2020 Physically worn down, depressed, close to giving up all hope and in desperate need for support. That was the life for Andrew Willoughby when Deaf Aotearoa came into his life. It had all come to head in Nelson Hospital. Facing a lengthy stay in … Read more