5. STEVE CHADWICK (Labour—Rotorua) Link to this
to the Minister for Disability Issues
What recent announcements has she made regarding New Zealand Sign Language?
Hon RUTH DYSON (Minister for Disability Issues) Link to this
I am very pleased to inform the House that last night I launched the very first New Zealand Sign Language Week. By establishing this special week of recognition of our unique language, New Zealand’s Deaf community now has a central focus point for celebrating and lifting the profile of what has recently become our country’s third and newest official language. I would encourage all members of the House to join in the celebrations and events that are happening around the country this week.
Can the Minister inform the House what progress has been driven by the New Zealand Sign Language Act?
Yes, I can. The list of progress is long and growing. A few highlights are that the Office for Disability Issues is working with the police and the Ministry of Justice to ensure that Deaf people have fair access to the justice system, using professional interpreters. Progress in the education sector includes the recently announced launch of the Sign Language curriculum, offering Sign Language as a choice alongside other languages offered in schools. I am also pleased to see the Accident Compensation Corporation taking a leadership role in reducing the barriers to the scheme for the Deaf community, by offering dedicated email and fax lines to their deaf clients, and also targeted information, specialised training, and a DVD of deaf people talking about their injury and the help that is available through the scheme.