Join us in celebrating the International Week of Deaf People in September 2024, a crucial event that advocates for inclusive education for D/deaf learners through national sign languages. Your participation is critical to our global movement!
Tuesday: Inclusive Education
As we advocate for quality multilingual, inclusive education that includes D/deaf learners through national sign languages, we call upon you, individuals, organisations, and governments. Your collective support is crucial; it’s integral to supporting Sign Language rights. By signing our Declaration on the Rights of Deaf Children, you are making a significant difference, and we value your contribution!
In 2006, the Deaf community achieved a significant milestone in New Zealand by passing the New Zealand Sign Language Legislation. This inspiring move mandated every agency, organisation, and sector, including Health and Education, to adopt and learn our NZSL legislation, paving the way for a more inclusive society. Since then, we’ve made significant progress and are optimistic about the future.
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2006/0018/latest/whole.html
Progress has been plodding since 2006 for all businesses, the education, and the health sectors in New Zealand. Now, the Government has cut back funding for the education and health sectors, and the Health and Education sectors are cutting back staff by laying off to save finances/funding. There has been more improvement by putting NZSL videos through social media, TV media, and educational resources, but again, more is needed.
Around the world, literacy ratings are affected by education. The survey found that 45% of adult New Zealanders were in Levels 1 and 2 for prose literacy, 50% for document literacy, and 49% for quantitative literacy. https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/publications/80898/27773/5495#:~:text=The%20survey%20found%20that%2045,and%2049%25%20for%20quantitative%20literacy.
Why is it important to have sign language in the curriculum?
“Sign language provides children with an alternative way to make themselves understood. This extra tool enables them to express how they feel, their thoughts, and their wants so that they can take part in learning and social activities. This not only gives a child a ‘voice’ but is also important when building relationships.” https://learningjournals.co.uk/benefits-of-sign-language-in-child-development/#:~:text=Sign%20language%20provides%20children%20with,also%20important%20when%20building%20relationships.
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