Memories of Shaun Fahey

2004 •
  • People
Shaun Fahey, a Deaf artist, talks about illustrating signs for the NZSL Dictionary, and what life was like for a young Shaun growing up in Christchurch under the rule of oralism.
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Shaun Fahey hosts an open Q&A providing insights into how the NZSL Dictionary received its illustrations used in its definitions of signs along with other art projects Shaun has done as part of his working career. Learn how Shaun learnt to sign while attending a mainstream school that only believed in oralism, and how that shaped his family to learn Total Communication in an effort to understand Shaun.

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NZSL story – Taonga source: Susie Ovens

Called Home to Win: NZ Shocks Australia at the Deaf Games

The 1989 World Deaf Games in Christchurch was Susie’s third WDG, but her first time representing New Zealand in Deaf women’s basketball. While on a working holiday in England, she got the call to return home and play. She said yes, thinking she’d head back afterwards – but she ended up staying in New Zealand! Named team captain, she faced the USA in their opening match. Nerves kicked in, and she was subbed off before finding her confidence and getting back on the court. Although the USA won, the real highlight came when New Zealand took on Australia, who had won bronze in 1985. It was a tough game – and New Zealand won 91–65! Everyone was shocked and thrilled. Truly unforgettable!
Shaun Fahey
Shaun Fahey

Relevant Links

Taonga source:
AUT Visual Languages Section
Original format:
VHS
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, AUT027-01-LS04
Copyright status:
This work is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Note:
This item has been compressed and/or edited.

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1960s
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1976
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1995
article – Taonga source: Victoria News, Victoria University of Wellington

Black magic hat

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1976
Object – Taonga source: Deaf Society of Canterbury

Pennant: Christchurch Deaf Indoor Basketball Club

Deaf Society of Canterbury
1990
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Pennant: Auckland Deaf Basketball Club 40th Anniversary, 1950-1990

Auckland Deaf Society
1951
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Basketball Singlet: Auckland Adult Deaf Society Indoor Basketball, 1951

Auckland Deaf Society
1962
Images – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Team Photo: Auckland Adult Deaf Society Indoor Basketball, 1962

Auckland Deaf Society
1970s
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Pennant: Auckland Deaf Society Inc. Men’s Basketball Club

Auckland Deaf Society