The Sign Language Interpreting course graduation ceremony on 12th September 1985, after 14 weeks training. Dan Levitt, an interpreter educator from USA, was contracted in April 1985 as the course trainer. Eight students were selected from responses to advertisements. Many Deaf people had volunteered their time to attend classes to tell their life stories and give the students opportunities for practice. At the graduation ceremony, three salaried positions were announced.
From Talking Hands, Listening Eyes – Pat Dugdale:
“The appointments were announced at the graduation ceremony – Linda Prouse to work in Auckland, Megan Mansfield in Christchurch, and Rachel Locker in Wellington. Tracy Greening was taken on as a typist/receptionist in the Auckland NZAD Field Office, so that in effect, Auckland had two interpreters. Another graduate became a residential social worker at Kelston, and two became freelance interpreters.
