Miss-Delectable
New Member
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2004
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http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3629625a11,00.html
Sign language is set to become New Zealand's third official language - after English and Te Reo Maori - if it is passed through Parliament today.
Members of the Waikato deaf community will join hundreds of other deaf people and supporters in Wellington today to witness the final reading of the legislation in Parliament.
The proposed law will give equal rights to the deaf, allowing interpreters in court and access to sign language in education, health, employment and public broadcasting.
Sign language is used by about 28,000 people in New Zealand and it is estimated 7000 people in New Zealand are deaf.
Waikato Deaf Association manager Brent Macpherson said deaf people had fought for the language's official recognition for 20 years.
"The gate will finally be opened so we can have access to information," he said. "This will be a great celebration for the deaf community. It will be emotional, lots of hugs, kisses and tears."
Sign language interpreters will be in Parliament as members debate the proposed law and vote.
Disability Issues Minister Ruth Dyson said the legislation would give New Zealand sign language a status equal to that of spoken languages. Government departments will be required to provide sign language resources and interpreting services.
Mr Macpherson said if it passed into law, the initial focus would be on getting interpreting services in court, but he hoped one day the deaf would have a sign language television programme.
"This legislation will give the deaf community a great sense of pride and encourage more people to learn our language."
Sign language is set to become New Zealand's third official language - after English and Te Reo Maori - if it is passed through Parliament today.
Members of the Waikato deaf community will join hundreds of other deaf people and supporters in Wellington today to witness the final reading of the legislation in Parliament.
The proposed law will give equal rights to the deaf, allowing interpreters in court and access to sign language in education, health, employment and public broadcasting.
Sign language is used by about 28,000 people in New Zealand and it is estimated 7000 people in New Zealand are deaf.
Waikato Deaf Association manager Brent Macpherson said deaf people had fought for the language's official recognition for 20 years.
"The gate will finally be opened so we can have access to information," he said. "This will be a great celebration for the deaf community. It will be emotional, lots of hugs, kisses and tears."
Sign language interpreters will be in Parliament as members debate the proposed law and vote.
Disability Issues Minister Ruth Dyson said the legislation would give New Zealand sign language a status equal to that of spoken languages. Government departments will be required to provide sign language resources and interpreting services.
Mr Macpherson said if it passed into law, the initial focus would be on getting interpreting services in court, but he hoped one day the deaf would have a sign language television programme.
"This legislation will give the deaf community a great sense of pride and encourage more people to learn our language."
