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Turning a deaf ear to excuses | Stuff.co.nz
Like a game of charades, Karishma Mohan mimes to everyone in the room.
But for Ms Mohan it isn't a game.
The 25-year-old Howick resident was born deaf.
As part of New Zealand Sign Language week, Ms Mohan spoke to the Eastern Courier through an interpreter.
She is studying towards a Bachelor of Education at AUT, specialising in early childhood.
A qualified graphic designer, she says it took her a while to work out what she wanted to do in life.
"I started out freelancing in graphic design. But that wasn't for me. My mother was a teacher for deaf students so she inspired me to become a teacher."
Ms Mohan has just completed her first practicum at Kelston Deaf Education Centre.
She says it's great that there is such a demand for teachers who know sign language both in New Zealand and overseas.
The New Zealand Sign Language Act in 2006 made sign language the country's third official language.
But Ms Mohan says there still needs to be an attitude change, especially among employers.
"People make an effort to learn Maori, but no one considers sign language as an option."
New Zealand Sign Language week runs until May 8.
The annual awareness week is designed to celebrate sign language and raise awareness about the deaf community and the issues and challenges its members face each day.
Despite the passing of the Act in 2006, many regions still lack adequate access to qualified interpreters.
Deaf Aotearoa chief executive Rachel Noble says this greatly affects all aspects of a deaf person's life and often leads to frustration.
"The only thing deaf people can't do is hear. Just like most New Zealanders, we want to be part of society, contributing through work, sport and other interests," Ms Noble says.
Ms Mohan says she could never use being deaf as an excuse for anything.
Like any 25-year-old, she enjoys shopping, goes for coffee with friends and has a passion for cooking.
"The key is to stay positive, you should never say can't."
Go to easterncourier.co.nz to see a sign language video.
Like a game of charades, Karishma Mohan mimes to everyone in the room.
But for Ms Mohan it isn't a game.
The 25-year-old Howick resident was born deaf.
As part of New Zealand Sign Language week, Ms Mohan spoke to the Eastern Courier through an interpreter.
She is studying towards a Bachelor of Education at AUT, specialising in early childhood.
A qualified graphic designer, she says it took her a while to work out what she wanted to do in life.
"I started out freelancing in graphic design. But that wasn't for me. My mother was a teacher for deaf students so she inspired me to become a teacher."
Ms Mohan has just completed her first practicum at Kelston Deaf Education Centre.
She says it's great that there is such a demand for teachers who know sign language both in New Zealand and overseas.
The New Zealand Sign Language Act in 2006 made sign language the country's third official language.
But Ms Mohan says there still needs to be an attitude change, especially among employers.
"People make an effort to learn Maori, but no one considers sign language as an option."
New Zealand Sign Language week runs until May 8.
The annual awareness week is designed to celebrate sign language and raise awareness about the deaf community and the issues and challenges its members face each day.
Despite the passing of the Act in 2006, many regions still lack adequate access to qualified interpreters.
Deaf Aotearoa chief executive Rachel Noble says this greatly affects all aspects of a deaf person's life and often leads to frustration.
"The only thing deaf people can't do is hear. Just like most New Zealanders, we want to be part of society, contributing through work, sport and other interests," Ms Noble says.
Ms Mohan says she could never use being deaf as an excuse for anything.
Like any 25-year-old, she enjoys shopping, goes for coffee with friends and has a passion for cooking.
"The key is to stay positive, you should never say can't."
Go to easterncourier.co.nz to see a sign language video.