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A New Zealand Sign Language Friendly New Zealand

A New Zealand Sign Language Friendly New Zealand. Victoria Lessing Merge NZ Director / New Zealand Sign Language Specialist. Learning outcomes:. An overview of NZSL history in New Zealand Get an understanding about the two perspectives on being Deaf

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A New Zealand Sign Language Friendly New Zealand

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  1. A New Zealand Sign Language Friendly New Zealand Victoria Lessing Merge NZ Director / New Zealand Sign Language Specialist

  2. Learning outcomes: An overview of NZSL history in New Zealand Get an understanding about the two perspectives on being Deaf Practical solutions how to make your organisation/service NZSL-friendly Gain knowledge of resources available in relation to NZSL

  3. New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Originally from Britain with some Irish influence 24,060 people understand/use NZSL in NZ* Use lots of facial features and hands (no voice required) NZSL includes some Māori concepts Separate from English with own grammatical structure/rules Signing was banned within education system over 100 years You can express everything i.e. talk about legal, technical and/or other complex matters through NZSL. No Limits at all! *Census 2006

  4. Official language of New Zealand NZSL Act 2006 Passed on 6th April 2006

  5. Article 1, UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, 2001 “As a source of exchange, innovation and creativity, cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature. In this sense, it is the common heritage of humanity and should be recognised and affirmed for the benefit of present and future generations”.

  6. Stereotypes / Labels What is the difference between a Deaf or Hard of Hearing person?

  7. Personal identity (personal journey) • Hard of Hearing • Follow “hearing” rules • Use spoken English • Use no/little NZSL • More likely to be involved in general communities • Deaf people • Have their own culture • Uses NZ Sign Language • Use no/little spoken English • Variety level of English literacy • Involved in Deaf community 9,000 400,000

  8. Why is medical view so strong (through history)? Deaf people could not express opinions because: Limited or no NZSL interpreters and no technology, no subtitles Hard to communicate directly, not be able to speak up for themselves Hearing people speak for/about/to Deaf people on their behalf Deaf people could not become professionals Milan Treaty of 1880 www.milan1880.com In the past, there were limited or no research on: Sign Language and linguistics Deaf community and Deaf Culture Only research on “problems” in hearing, education and psychology

  9. Why is medical view so strong (through history)? Hearing people sometimes take control Majority group of ‘health professionals’ Have large sum of funding on research Make decisions without or very limited Deaf people’s input Make up stereotypes and labels for Deaf Hearing people forget to ask Deaf about their ideas, views about Deaf Teachers, parents, doctors, audiologist, surgeons, speech therapists, etc Media often show ‘success’ stories Oral Deaf (i.e. Deaf person can speak very well, hear successfully, etc) Are there facts/true stories about failures in the media? Many parents, teachers and other professionals see one side of story

  10. Medical view Cultural view • Deafness is a medical problem with the ears • Language delay – problems with speech and language • Use technology to improve or treat hearing problem • Rehabilitate Deaf people to be like hearing people: ‘normalise’, cure deafness • Deaf people have the right to use own natural language (NZSL) • Deaf ways and behaviour are a different culture – not ‘abnormal’ • Being Deaf is okay and normal for Deaf people – it is not an illness, and does not need to be fixed by technology or oralism • Deaf people are a natural community, not just individuals with hearing problems Source: Deaf Aotearoa New Zealand

  11. Critical Areas for Consideration Education – majority of Deaf students are in mainstreamed schools. Approx. 5-10% have access to education in NZSL. Family – less than 15% of hearing families will learn NZSL; families often feel overwhelmed. Employment/environment – society stereotypes, exclusion from the Deaf community and hearing community

  12. Point to Consider It is important to recognise English as second language for Deaf people. NZSL is either first or preferred language for Deaf people. How Deaf-friendly are businesses or organisations? What information about service (services, products, options, costs involved, etc.) is provided in NZSL?

  13. Access and Communication Within the majority group Within the minority communities Sharing resources – skills, knowledge and time! Connection within Deaf Community – relationships within the Deaf community Visual information – pictures, NZSL videos, facial expressions, diagrams, graphics, etc. Attitude toward NZSL and cultural appropriation (Deaf Culture) • Literacy – English texts, concepts and meanings • Networking – background knowledge about people’s names and roles • Verbal information – radio, television, people’s conversations and tones • Attitude & values – understanding or experience about minority groups’ perspectives

  14. Visual Communication Strategy • Getting Deaf person’s attention appropriately. Use lots of gestures, pointing and maintain eye contact. • Many Deaf people have general community knowledge gap. • Deaf people have widely different levels of written ability and knowledge of English. • Be aware about the “Nodding syndrome” (Deaf nod)

  15. Establishment of new system that would affect Deaf people (Deaf community made aware in Sept 2018 already left behind). Accessing to information, concepts and details in NZSL using lots of facial expressions/body language. Deaf people’s participation in discussion and planning for the new system. Deaf people’s right to decide for themselves and have options for services. System Transformation – What does that mean for Deaf people?

  16. Incorporating NZSL in your setting… How can you make a difference?

  17. Making NZSL-friendly Start learningNZSL (New Zealand Sign Language) Work in partnership or empower Deaf people/representatives Develop NZSL-friendly resources Involve Deaf people in decision making/community meetings Visit NZSL websites, watch videos, read Deaf people’s stories, etc.

  18. Merge’s goals

  19. Online free NZSL learning resources https://nzsl.vuw.ac.nz/ http://www.learnnzsl.nz/

  20. Thank you & handwaves Thank you & handwaves

  21. Contact details: Email: info@mergenz.co.nz Mobile: 021 077 1584 Website: www.mergenz.co.nz Facebook: www.facebook.com/MergeNZLtd/

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