May 09, 2023
Sign Language Act to be strengthened
It’s New Zealand Sign Language Week, and the Government us promising to strengthen the NZ Sign Language Act to support Deaf leadership and promote greater use of the language.
Minister for Disability Issues Priyanka Radhakrishnan says while New Zealand Sign Language is now more recognised and accepted by society, a decreasing percentage of the deaf population are learning and using it..
This means more work on protection and promotion, with a strong partnership between the Deaf community and the Government.
Proposed changes to the Act changes strengthening the role of the NZSL Board and recognising the identity and culture of Turi Māori (Māori Deaf) in their work alongside government agencies.
“A core function of the board under the proposed changes will be to monitor and report on government agencies’ actions to promote and protect NZ Sign Language.