Earlier this month we received a letter from the commissioner and acting principal of our son’s school – KTR Deaf Education NZ – asking us to “cease the negative posts and comments on the [Deaf Education NZ Facebook page]…” … More Deaf kids deserve better!
I am excited but at the same time I am angry – My wife and I have been fighting the system (both the Deaf school and the Ministry of education) for the past 21 years! It has gone from bad to worse in recent years. I know many in the community and families have fought for change for many years before us. But things are currently worse than they have ever been. … More Reaction to the Ombudsman’s opinion – Feb2024
Throughout our fight we have just wanted to be heard. We have wanted the decision makers to listen and either tells us why we couldn’t have a NZSL medium education or what their plans are for ensuring Deaf children have access to NZSL medium education.
Now seeing that the Ombudsman’s opinion is that the Ministry have not got timelines/plans in place to ensure that Deaf children will be able to access education in NZSL – we were right to keep fighting. … More The Ombudsman’s opinion! We feel vindicated!
It is important to note that New Zealand Sign Language is an official language as is Te Reo Maori yet there are clear inequities between the two languages.
For Wellington families who have Te Reo Maori as the primary language, or families who do not speak Maori at home but want their children to have the connection to their language and culture, according to Education Counts https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/directories/maori-medium-schools they can choose to enrol their children in any of the following: … More We need a NZSL bilingual high school provision in Wellington! – we did not get a response to this…
“Sign of the times is the first feature length documentary about New Zealand’s deaf community, their language and culture. It is an inspiring, emotional, and very moving story told straight from the very heart of the deaf community. In April 2006 New Zealand Parliament declared New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) to be an official language – the culmination of a 20-year battle by the deaf community, and a true hallmark in the recognition of their native language. Sign of the times is about the deaf New Zealander’s who fought to have their language recognised as a real language and as a viable means of communication. The film documents the community’s celebration of the official recognition of their language and looks at the community’s ongoing hopes and aspirations for their language and culture. This is your invitation to take a journey into the deaf world.”–Case. … More Sign of the Times – 2006
“We had a constant fight to get a proper education for our daughter throughout her schooling. We had to move from Wellington to Christchurch, then Christchurch to Sydney to access curriculum for her in sign language.” … More Fighting For Deaf Education – MAS magazine article 2021
The Ferguson Family 