New Zealand Sign Language programmes receives $11 million boost
Deaf Aotearoa are thrilled with Education minister Hekia Parata’s announcement this week that $11 million in funding
will go towards a range of New Zealand Sign Language initiatives, including First Signs – a programme that involves sign
language facilitators working with families of newly identified Deaf children aged up to 5 years.
Deaf Aotearoa Chief Executive, Lachlan Keating, says, “Deaf Aotearoa are really pleased to see this funding be
confirmed, and expect to see some wonderful outcomes for Deaf children and their families as we roll out First Signs
across the country over the next four years.”
There are currently about 400 Deaf children under 5 years old and another 1400 children aged between 5 and 18 years old
across New Zealand. In New Zealand, more than 24,000 people use New Zealand Sign Language as their primary language.
The First Signs service has been created to enable parents and whanau of Deaf children to learn New Zealand Sign
Language (NZSL), and support their children’s language development. The programme ensures parents have extra
opportunities to support their children’s development, such as connecting with other parents or the local Deaf
community.
First Signs objectives include strengthening Deaf awareness and inspiring strong positive aspirations for Deaf children.
Key aspects of the service include linking families with local networks of families with Deaf children within their
local community and working with early childhood education providers to support continuity of access to NZSL, are key
aspects of the service.
First Signs Team Leader Bridget Ferguson, says “Through the establishment of First Signs, Deaf Aotearoa will ensure that
parents, families, and whānau feel confident, well supported and equipped to support their deaf children, and that
children will develop strong early language skills.”
In many instances, early childhood education providers will also be supported by the service to ensure that the child is
well supported across all learning environments.
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