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New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) is an official language of New Zealand
NZSL is more than just an official language; it is about communication. Without language and communication, people do not have connection and inclusion.
NZSL is the language used by many Deaf and hard of hearing people living in New Zealand. It can also be the preferred language of non-speaking people, and people who use signed rather than spoken language.
For some people in New Zealand, NZSL will be their only language.
This strategy outlines the changes needed to ensure that Deaf people and NZSL users can learn, access, and use NZSL. Learning and using NZSL is important if Deaf people and NZSL users are to have equal opportunities in areas like health, education, and employment. It is also important for supporting Deaf people to foster Deaf identity.
This strategy has a goal of everyone being aware of, using and accepting NZSL
The vision for this strategy is “New Zealand Sign Language – everyone, everywhere, every day”.
The aim is for all hearing New Zealanders to be able to incorporate NZSL phrases into everyday language in the same way many New Zealanders have adopted kupu Māori, such as ‘kia ora’. This is not intended to reduce or weaken the importance of Deaf people and NZSL users being able to access education, services, and information using NZSL, but rather recognises that to strengthen NZSL, everybody needs to be aware of, using or accepting NZSL. This could include learning tactile variations of NZSL.
The Cycle of Growth for NZSL Use In Aotearoa
Building NZSL use will improve outcomes for all New Zealanders
The more NZSL is used and integrated into society and societal norms, the more the status of NZSL will be lifted. Increasing everyday use and fluency in NZSL will improve access to services and lead to better outcomes for Deaf people and NZSL users.
Increasing NZSL use will help build the Deaf and NZSL workforce, including Deaf tutors and teachers, and NZSL interpreters (including trilingual and tactile interpreters). This benefits everyone by increasing access to NZSL tutors, teachers, and interpreters, while promoting a more inclusive society and reducing communication barriers for Deaf people.
Everyone has a role to play to achieve real change
This strategy, and the priorities and actions outlined in it, are ambitious. Many actions will stretch well beyond the timeframe of this strategy.
While progress has been made, more is needed if real change is going to happen. Improving the responsiveness of agencies and service providers to Deaf people and NZSL users will result in better outcomes for Deaf people and NZSL users. It is also about challenging agencies, service providers, organisations and businesses to really look at what they are doing to improve the lives of Deaf people and NZSL users.
This strategy is for everyone in New Zealand. Everyone can play a part in making NZSL a strong, vibrant, living language recognised and embraced by all.