Outward Bound Teams Up With Deaf Aotearoa NZ

PRESS RELEASE
5 May 2009

Outward Bound Teams Up With Deaf Aotearoa NZ

As part of New Zealand Sign Language Week, Outward Bound and Deaf Aotearoa New Zealand are calling for people who are Deaf or hearing impaired to enrol in a tailor made Outward Bound course.

Outward Bound Marketing Manager Greg Thomas said the eight day Deaf Adventure course is designed for Deaf and hearing impaired people to step outside their comfort zones.

He said throughout the course two New Zealand Sign Language interpreters will accompany the group taking part in the Deaf Adventure course at Anakiwa in the Marlborough Sounds.

“The interpreters are an essential part of the course. They quite literally act as the ears for participants, interpreting what our instructors are saying.

“During the course, participants use the outdoors as their classroom taking part in a diverse range of activities including sailing, rock climbing, tramping and kayaking.

“While completing the course, participants challenge perceived personal limits, boost self confidence through experiencing individual and team successes and increase motivation.

“The custom designed course also aims to test and expand the personal boundaries of participants and build relationships between people within the Deaf community.”

New Zealand Sign Language Interpreter, Tania Davidson, who was an interpreter on last year’s course is returning again this year. She said the Deaf Adventure course is a great opportunity for Deaf people to challenge themselves.

“Outward Bound is based in one of the most beautiful settings in the country and the experience allows participants to test their mental and physical toughness in a natural environment,” Tania said.

“The partnership, support and ongoing involvement from Outward Bound has allowed us to continue delivering a high quality course for the Deaf community that really gets results.”

Other customised Outward Bound programmes include those for people who are blind, have an intellectual or physical disability and for those with a brain injury.

Anyone who is Deaf or hearing impaired and aged 18 years and over is eligible to enrol on the Deaf Adventure course. To find out more contact Danielle Bowater at info@outwardbound.co.nz.

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