23rd-30th September 2018
Some useful links:
World Federation of the Deaf, official IWD page
Some interesting videos:
- (Britain) BSL Zone: Deaf Funny 3
- Confession (a historical drama featuring Alexander Graham Bell): (BSL Zone is a good one to keep an eye on for good quality Deaf films/documentaries, these two are currently able to be watched here in NZ – often most content is geoblocked, available content changes often)
- (USA) TED talk by Christine Sun Kim: (This is a useful analogy or metaphor to try explain what/how much people with deafness hear/don’t hear)
- (Netherlands) Pigeonhole Man and the Deaf: Great introduction to the Deaf world/community, no matter which country.
For kids, the Australian tv/online show, “Sally and Possum”: (in Auslan – Australian sign language (similar to NZSL), but no worries it’s captioned and there’s audio too!)
NZSL resources and Deaf organisations in Dunedin/Otago:
As posted on the ‘NZSL Users Group - Dunedin’ Facebook page - the most up-to-date version will always be found there.
Some NZSL resources, helpful when you're learning the language:
NZSL dictionary app (free) - see the app store for your device
Fingerspelling game - the British sign language aphabet is the same as NZSL alphabet
or 'Fingerspelling Game - NZSL' app (cost) - see the app store for your device
Turi TV - video resources from van Asch Deaf Education Centre. Have to register, but it is all free. Apps are available for android/apple devices) - see the app store for your device
Ministry of Education Thumbs Up! Intro to NZSL
Victoria University, Wellington, beginner NZSL exercises
Rhymes with Sign app (free, but extra rhyme stories cost) - see the app store for your device
Hairy Maclary e-book app, includes NZSL as a language option (cost) - see the app store for your device
Ministry of Education e-book apps, some include NZSL as language option (free) - see the app store for your device
Use video messaging apps to practice with family and friends - see the app store for your device
Other useful NZSL Facebook pages:
NZSL - Tangata Turi o Aotearoa, New Zealand Deaf Community (apply to join)
Ngā Rangatahi Turi Māori o Aotearoa
Deaf Action - public page
Deaf Action - closed group: apply to join
Ngāti Turi o Aotearoa: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ngatituri/ (apply to join)
YouTube (search 'NZSL') - some suggestions:
● https://youtu.be/wLWX1rHC0KQ - ‘Fingerspelling tips NZSL’ by Josje Lelijveld
● https://youtu.be/2GZ7GljbC-A - ‘NZSL signs and phrases for schools’ by Darryl Alexander
● https://youtu.be/CbDf0YG2xnA - ‘New Zealand National Anthem in NZSL, Maori & english’ - by Deafaotearoa
● https://youtu.be/Hch40OVoCpg - ‘Sign High - Episode 1 - Introduction’ by Tiaho Trust (series)
● https://youtu.be/wm2f7VIfPZQ - ‘Learn some fun NZSL signs for Summer!’ by Auckland University of Technology
● https://youtu.be/pE6Q9WtWEKI - ‘Hall of Fame - Tuhoi henry (NZSL)’ by KDECTV
● https://youtu.be/z8XgjOOdoL8 - ‘Christchurch Earthquakes: Deaf stories in NZSL’ by DSRU VUW
● https://youtu.be/jZhscw6MmcA - ‘Sign to impress 1/7’ by Deafaotearoa (series)
● https://youtu.be/ZxCvovxv1SQ - ‘ “IF” in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)’ by KDECTV
● https://youtu.be/2T4l6lL1-vI?list=PLAPx32oh7H1rxpS3dyIbtBoILQ-2UETID - ‘The Deaf Toolbox: Introduction’ by Attitude (series)
● https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4EGRhLgZB4ghVQ1PhusMi-DBhhBuknr- - NZSL Bites, by vanAschTV (also on Turi TV, link listed above)
Deaf Organisations in Dunedin/Otago
Deaf Aotearoa
https://www.facebook.com/deafaotearoanz/
Otago branch: Michelle Sinclair Michelle.Sinclair@deaf.org.nz
To learn about what’s happening in the local Deaf Community (or to advertise your event/workshop), sign up to Deaf Aotearoa Community Weekly newsletter: http://deaf.org.nz/news/subscribe
Otago Deaf Society
https://www.facebook.com/groups/223610765069991/
President: Jasmin Taylor otagodeafsociety@gmail.com
Secretary: Jaime Dowdle odssecretary727@gmail.com
Monthly gatherings for Deaf Community, first Friday of month. We welcome Deaf/deaf, hard of hearing, hearing. Keep an eye on the Deaf Aotearoa Community Weekly Newsletter for details of where/what time.
There is also fortnightly NZSL Chatters, from 7pm onwards at Filadelphios at the Gardens (opposite Gardens New World). Check ‘NZSL Users Group - Dunedin’ Facebook page ( https://www.facebook.com/NZSLUsersGroupDunedin/ ) for the next date. A chance to use and practice NZSL - fluent to learner, all welcome.
Membership: $15/person/year, contact the Secretary to apply.
Otago Association for Deaf Children
http://www.deafkidsotago.org.nz/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/deafkidsotago/
Support for children and their families by way of funding assistance for educational programs, assistive devices, sign language classes, public awareness of Deaf issues and information for families of newly diagnosed deaf children.
President: Justin Farquhar justinfarquhar@gmail.com
Secretary: secretary@deafkidsotago.org.nz
Membership: $15/family/year, contact the Secretary to apply.
Otago Deaf Support Services
Set up in 1992 to provide access for Deaf people for information and support. Deaf people residing in Otago are eligible for support.
Chairperson: Geoff Makinson nanotechgeoff@gmail.com
Secretary: Jasmin Taylor curly.kiwi@gmail.com
Treasurer: Michelle Sinclair m.r.sinclair@actrix.co.nz
Applications for funds must be in writing to Treasurer before each DSS meeting. The committee meets monthly.
Services include:
● Funding for interpreters not covered by iSign, also communicators
● 50% of some training fees
● Assistance with workshop funding
● Mileage and/or air fares to attend meetings and workshops
● Assistance for Deaf people to attend conferences, workshops and special events
● Support for Deaf Family camps
● Support to get information to Deaf people through newsletters
Deaf Support Services has to provide statistics and reports every six months to get the funding.
Please ask. The committee uses its discretion to look at each request. To be fair, usually only one large grant per person per year, but ask should you require more support.
Otago Deaf Centre
68 Manor Place
Dunedin
Hall bookings: Beca Harper becarees@hotmail.com
Other useful links:
NZSL Users Group - Dunedin: https://www.facebook.com/NZSLUsersGroupDunedin/ (public page) For Deaf/deaf/hard of hearing/hearing - anyone who uses or who is interested in learning NZ Sign Language. This page acts as a noticeboard for NZSL classes/events/activities, primarily based in Dunedin.
Hearing Support Otago:
http://www.hearingsupport.co.nz/
https://www.facebook.com/Hearing-Support-Otago-200373559982543/
Offer free hearing tests, hearing aid cleaning and lip-reading classes.