Deaf New Zealanders are entitled to the same rights as any other New Zealander

When information is not provided in sign language, Deaf people are not able to participate equally in society. Confusion, misunderstanding and sometimes personal safety is threatened.

Imagine:

• Being treated in hospital but not fully understanding the medication and treatment you are receiving
• Being arrested without the right to explain your side of the story in your language
• Experiencing a Civil Defence emergency situation (such as an earthquake) and not being able to listen to the radio or understand fully what people are saying by their lip pattern
• Missing out on work information (eg Health and safety meetings)

The Deaf Community is keenly aware that we must preserve, promote and protect NZSL by developing a strategy that ensures full participation in political and public life on an equal basis with others.

This equal status of Deaf New Zealanders was cemented in 2006, with the implementation of the New Zealand Sign Language Act which is endorsed by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The purpose of the NZSL Act is to promote and maintain the use of New Zealand Sign Language by:

·          Declaring New Zealand Sign Language to be an official language of New Zealand

·          Stating principles to guide government departments in the promotion and use of New Zealand Sign Language

·          Providing NZSL in legal proceedings and making regulations for the interpretation in legal proceedings of NZSL

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities states freedom of expression and opinion and access to information and for the use of sign languages, Braille or other communication tools as chosen by the person with the disability

More information on the NZSL Act can be found on the Office of Disability Issues website

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The World Federation of the Deaf have also produced some video clips about the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. These video clips are provided in International Sign Language. Click here to visit the WFD Website.

More information on the Rights of a Deaf Person fact sheet

You can contact the Office for Disability Issues by:

Phone: (04) 916 3300

Fax: (04) 918 0075

Email: odi@msd.govt.nz

Street address

Ministry of Social Development
Level 6
Bowen State Building
Bowen Street
Wellington
New Zealand

Postal address

Office for Disability Issues
PO Box 1556
Wellington
New Zealand