Tech course to help the deaf

A significant step for New Zealand’s deaf community has been taken this week.

The country’s first permanent sign language interpreters’ course began on Monday at the Auckland Institute of Technology.

At present there are only four official interpreters servicing New Zealand’s more than 24,000 deaf people.

Without an interpreter deaf people face difficulties such as getting qualifications or job promotions and until recently did not have the right to an interpreter in court.

Sixteen students from around the country started the two-year course this week. While some have studied sign language or other interpreting, others are beginners.

The course will be community based, with students working closely with the deaf community rather than in language laboratories.

The first year will focus on New Zealand sign language, and deaf society and culture. The second will look at language development, interpreting skills and professional ethics.