About us

We are New Zealand's largest organsisation working with migrats and refugees. Our volunteers and professional teachers deliever a range of English-language programme in partnership with refugee and migrant learners.

We believe that migrants and refugees should have the opportunity to learn English, to pursue aspirations for themselves and their families, and to participate in all aspects of life in Aotearoa New Zealand.

English Language Partners is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation, registered as a charity with the Charities Commissions (Charities Registration Number: CC25914).

Professional Association
Membership References

Christchurch Resettlement Services; Christchurch Migrant Centre; Christchurch Disability Action; Deaf Aotearoa NZ; Christchurch City Council

Quality Assurance/Accreditation

ELP NZ; Tertiary Education Commission; NZQA

How are we Deaf friendly?

In Christchurch, we have a group of deaf refugee learners who are being taught NZSL by a volunteer teacher.

The group join the Deaf community for regular walks and other activities.

About us

Magnet is an initiative of Deaf Aotearoa for Deaf and hard of hearing youth in New Zealand.



Our purpose is to grow, inspire and develop positive Deaf identify and Leadership. We work closely with other youth and Deaf-related organisations to make mainstream youth programmes more accessible to those with a hearing impairement.

Quality Assurance/Accreditation

Ursula Thyne was on the Vodafone World of Difference Programme in 2013. She received a Local Heros Award in 2014. Magnet is a semi-finalist for Community of the Year for the New Zealander of the Year awards 2014.

How are we Deaf friendly?

Our staff can use both New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) and/or spoken English.

We acknowledge the Treaty of Waitangi in the work we provide.

We provide a Transition Programme for students in their last year of school.

All staff and volunteers working under Magnet will have completed the Youth Work Qualification or are currently undergoing training.

About us

The Ministry of Education is the Government's leading Advisor on Educational system, shaping the direction for Education agencies and providers, contributing the Government goals for Education.

Professional Association
Membership References

http://www.minedu.govt.nz/theMinistry.aspx

How are we Deaf friendly?

Special Education as part of the Ministry of Education - they provide support for the community, teachers and schools.

Special Education can provide resources and support for children with special needs, such as Early Intervention support, Speech Language Theraphy, Adviser on Deaf Children and funding.

Information can be found on:-

http://www.minedu.govt.nz/NZEducation/EducationPolicies/SpecialEducation.aspx

Ministry of Education has offices in the main centre's around New Zealand:-

http://www.minedu.govt.nz/AboutThisSite/ContactUs.aspx

About us

Advocates assist people with making sure their rights are respected. They help consumers to resolve complaints about health or disability services.  An advocate is on the side of consumers. This means the advocate will:



- listen to your concerns

- give you information about your rights

- help you to explore the options available, including ways to make a complaint

- support you in the actions you decide to take to resolve your concerns

- give you practical support, such as helping to write a letter or accompanying you to a resolution meeting with the provider

- give you guidance and information on self-advocacy

How are we Deaf friendly?

Although they will be responding to enquiries and assisting consumers to resolve complaints, the most significant part of the role of the Deaf advocates will be networking and providing education sessions.



The education sessions for health and disability providers will focus on such areas as understanding Deaf culture, communicating effectively with Deaf consumers and dealing respectfully with them. The  Code of Rights will provide  the framework for meeting the rights of the Deaf community using these services.



As well as education about their rights, self advocacy sessions will be provided to Deaf consumers to enable them to develop skills to advocate on their own behalf when matters of concern are outside the advocate's jurisdiction.  The advocate is able to act as a mentor and sounding board for a consumer advocating for themselves.

About us

We are a non-profit organisation run by Parents of Hard of Hearing or Deaf Children. We all have kids in the school system and meet quarterly to help the needs of our wonderful children and their families with support through parents groups, assistive devices, tutor fees, scholarships, awards.

About us

The Purpose of Van Asch Deaf Education Centre is to provide high quality educational programmes and special related services which meets the needs of Deaf, hearing loss students and their families and communities.

To enhance learning outcomes for children who are Deaf or with hearing loss we:

• Provide specialist teaching and support services
• Develop communication skills and language
• Provide equitable access to learning
• Provide for successful learning

The Centre also provides residential facilities to cater for students whose overall personal, social and educational needs cannot be met in their home area.

It also provides a range of on-campus programmes, from pre-school through secondary, and makes full use of the wide range of resources that are avavaible both in the local district and greater Christchurch area.

Professional Association
Membership References

Ministry of Education

Quality Assurance/Accreditation

Education Review Office reports - http://www.vanasch.school.nz/ero-reports.php

How are we Deaf friendly?

We currently employ 8 staff who are Deaf, we have access to NZSL interpreters if needed and have staff learning NZSL. We also provide information and resources on NZSL.

Our website features helpful information for families of Deaf children and Deaf Professionals.

About us

The Deaf Studies Research Unit (DSRU) at Victoria University of Wellington produces sign language research, including NZSL dictionaries and other publications. First and second year NZSL courses are taught as part of the BA degree. Postgraduate students may also conduct research for MA and PhD degrees. The Certificates in Deaf Studies: Teaching NZSL is a foundation level programme designed to train Deaf people as NZSL teachers.

Professional Association
Membership References

DSRU staff members are active members of SLIANZ and NZSLTA.

How are we Deaf friendly?

Deaf Studies research and teaching is focused on learning and teaching about NZSL and the Deaf community. Courses are taught in NZSL, by Deaf teachers, and are accessible to Deaf people.

Research from the Deaf Studies Research Unit promotes understanding of NZSL and the Deaf community and supports teaching of NZSL in society.

Research projects involve coloration with the Deaf community. Staff from DSRC contribute advice and information to community and government sector organisations.