Deaf Benefit from Computer Technology

Deaf Benefit from Computer Technology

Web cams, projectors, DVD's, and portable laptop computers are being put to good use by the deaf in New Zealand in their desire to communicate with others in the community.

Though technological advances don't replace the need to use New Zealand Sign Language, many groups are finding these computer gadgets invaluable.

One group that is doing so with good success is the Avondale Deaf Group of Jehovah's Witnesses. Official volunteer groups based in Avondale and Christchurch are using technology to train translators and care for the needs of the deaf not just in big cities, but in provincial areas of New Zealand.

Smaller satellite groups also exist in Whangarei, Hamilton, Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, Tokoroa, New Plymouth and Wellington.

Neville Morete, although not deaf himself, has been signing for 15 years. He attends the Avondale group with his wife Leonie, who is deaf.

"We make extensive use of technology at our meetings and assemblies," says Neville. "We project Bible verses onto a large screen using a projector routed through a computer. For presentations that are signed we also film the speaker and route that through the computer as well."

"DVD's are used a lot, especially for singing and costume dramas. We also do our Bible work using DVD's and a small laptop, along with the books and magazines available to the general public. We find that a lot of deaf we meet are blown away when they see NZ sign language on a DVD. It's much more beneficial and interactive for them to see someone signing than to just read the printed page, and we find they really enjoy watching sign language DVD's. I also study the Bible with a man in Tauranga using a webcam and the internet," remarks Neville, "and he's doing very well."

The Avondale group meets together three times a week, and every meeting is translated into New Zealand Sign Language.

Every six weeks students gain experience in public speaking by preparing presentations in sign language that they are required to present to the rest of the group. This can be a challenge to the predominantly multicultural group, who come from China, the Phillipines, and several islands of the Pacific, but it is one they are meeting with good results.

The group has also had success in training new translators, and at 2:1 have a ratio of signers to deaf much higher than the general population. With New Zealand Sign Language the 3rd most recognised language in New Zealand after English and Maori, they feel that training people to communicate with the deaf is important in helping deaf feel a part of the wider community.

"New translators start by signing our songs," explains Neville, "and then progress to signing portions of our meetings including demonstrations and interviews, then progress to signing a whole meeting which is around 45 minutes."

Neville and Leonie are looking forward to meeting with other deaf from around New Zealand at the upcoming 'Follow the Christ' District Convention of Jehovah's Witnesses, something they say is a highlight of their year as it provides reliable Bible based advice on family and interpersonal relationships, dealing with economic difficulties, and getting along with others in the community.

This free 3 day event will be held at the Telstra Clear Pacific Events Centre in Manukau City from September 7-9, and will be fully translated into New Zealand Sign Language for the benefit of the deaf.

ENDS

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