Learn 25 Signs for NZSL Week

LEARN 25 SIGNS FOR NZSL WEEK

To celebrate New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week (13-19 May), Deaf Aotearoa is calling on all New Zealanders to learn 25 NZSL signs.

Now in its seventh year, NZSL Week is run annually by Deaf Aotearoa to promote NZSL as an official language of New Zealand and raise awareness about the Deaf community. The week includes free sign language classes as well as a range of national and regional events and school-based activities.

This year, Deaf Aotearoa is running an online NZSL Taster Class - simply visit www.nzslweek.org.nz during NZSL Week to watch interactive clips and learn how to sign everyday words/phrases. Plus, everyone who takes part in the online NZSL Taster Class can enter a quiz on the website and be in to win prizes.

Deaf Aotearoa Chief Executive Lachlan Keating says that NZSL Week is a great time for all New Zealanders to consider the contribution that Deaf people make to society.

“Deaf New Zealanders add layers of culture and colour to communities throughout the country. This week we will be celebrating Deaf people’s achievements, but also recognising that work still needs to be done to ensure that Deaf people can realise their true potential in education, the workforce and society in general,” he says.

“Deaf Aotearoa looks forward to continuing positive relationships across all sectors as we seek to create opportunities for Deaf people to reach their aspirations.”

Deaf Aotearoa also has a range of downloadable resources to promote NZSL Week 2013 and its online shop www.shop.deaf.org.nz sells NZSL T-Shirts, Tool Kits, booklets and other resources.

Deaf Aotearoa is the national service provider for Deaf people in New Zealand. It works with Deaf communities and provides information and resources on a range of services.

Deaf Aotearoa also works closely with government agencies, other not-for-profit organisations and the corporate sector to increase awareness of Deaf people’s lives, promote New Zealand Sign Language and reaffirm the rights of Deaf people. Deaf Aotearoa is a Disabled Person’s Organisation and the New Zealand representative for the World Federation of the Deaf, the international body for Deaf people.

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