Try your hand during NZ Sign Language Week

New Zealand Sign Language week is celebrating a major moment in its history.

This year is the 20th anniversary of sign language joining Te Reo Maori as an official language of New Zealand.

Deaf New Zealanders have been sharing videos about what the anniversary means to them, with many feeling proud of sign language being recognised and their culture being seen.

Deaf Aoteaora Manager of Communications Erica Dawson says it's easy to be invisible as a deaf person, so this week is an opportunity to take pride in our community, while also shining a light on the barriers that still exist for members.

Having been involved in the promotion of New Zealand Sign Language Week for over a decade Erica Dawson believes momentum is slowly building, noting that organisations, workplaces, schools and community groups are starting to facilitate promotion and organize events themselves. 

“It is really meaningful to see other people taking the initiative. We see that attitudes have changed and it is great that more people are motivated, open-minded and keen to be involved.”

One of the most important messages of the week is that you don't need to be fluent in sign language to connect with deaf people. 

“They might be at the checkout and somebody signs "thank you". It's a really small thing but it means a lot for us. It's about encouraging kindness, recognition and inclusion and meeting in the middle so that we are accommodating each other. That attitude goes a long way to making a big difference.”

Erica Dawson points out that it does not take a lot to learn some basic phrases in sign language, pointing to Te Reo Maori as an example of what they aspire to.

“We see them as a family and really value their contributions because our community is also really diverse.”

“In terms of people using everyday signs as they do Te Reo Māori, that is absolutely my dream”

To learn more visit https://nzsignlanguage.nz/