Language Planning Priority: Use/Access

The purpose of Use/Access planning is to:

• enable NZSL to be used in all domains of society
• promote social equality for Deaf NZSL users by ensuring they have access to information and services through NZSL.

What success looks like in five years’ time

• The Deaf community is able to maintain Deaf domains of intergenerational transmission of NZSL amongst the Deaf community. Deaf domains include organisations, events, places and spaces (for example, face-to-face or online interaction) where Deaf people are able to use NZSL.
• Core government services and information, which are the responsibility of key central government agencies such as the Ministries of Education (pre-school, compulsory and tertiary), Health, Justice, and Social Development as well as local government agencies are accessible to Deaf NZSL users because they:
  • provide professional NZSL interpreters
  • translate written information into NZSL through NZSL translation services
  • use up-to-date information and communication technology that provides Deaf NZSL users access to services and information
  • provide services and information directly in NZSL, for example via NZSL fluent staff
  • make decisions that are informed by the Board’s Strategy and the use of robust data and evidence.
• NZSL interpreter standards will contribute to provide high quality professional interpreting services throughout New Zealand that meet the diverse needs of Deaf NZSL users.
• Māori Deaf have access to Te Ao Māori and Māori speaking domains through the training and retention of trilingual interpreters (Te Reo Māori, NZSL and English).