About us

KiwiAble is the brand of the  Inclusive Communities Role at the Christchurch City Council. KiwiAble aims to:

- increase opportunities for sport Recreation & Leisure for disabled people in Christchurch

- reduce barriers to participation for disabled people

How are we Deaf friendly?

KiwiAble has been in Christchurch for over 15 years.  It is overseen by the Inclusive Communities Coordinator at the Christchurch City Council.

Based on the principles of inclusion, KiwiAble is committed to adopting an approach that supports participation and access for disabled people.

KiwiAble has two main areas:

- the KiwiAble Leisure Card – a scheme that is FREE to join which provides discounted recreational opportunities to over 30 facilities for disabled people.

- the KiwiAble Recreation Network- a network of disability community agencies, organisations and individuals that have an interest in recreation, sport and leisure.

Want more information? Contact Rachel

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

Mojo Mathers is New Zealand first profoundly deaf Member of Parliament.

She is the Green Party spokesperson for Disability issues, Animal Welfare, Food, Consumer Affairs, Civil Defence and Natural Health.

The Green Party website has NZSL translation video clip of some of our core policies, campaigns and maiden speeches here - https://www.greens.org.nz/nzsl

The Green Party Disability summary states that people living with impairments have:-

• access to education in an appropriate form
• access to and information on citizen rights adn are involved in decision-making affecting them
• services that are responsive, flexible, assesable and culturally appropriate
• barriers to their active participation in society removed

How are we Deaf friendly?

Mojo is Deaf.

The Green Party website has NZSL translation video clips of some of our core policies, campaigns and maiden speeches here - https://www.greens.org.nz/nzsl

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

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.