or young siblings to attend. Community
Until recently, some cochlear implant
education classes focus on adult-to-adult
programmes typically advised families
communication. They are unlikely to be
that a child should not learn sign language
sufficient to meet a family’s needs to pick
unless the technology failed to achieve the
up a new language and learn how to use
expected language outcomes. This could
it with a baby or toddler. The availability
mean delayed language development for
of community classes in NZSL was also
some children, compared to potential
significantly reduced following major cuts
progress through a bilingual approach.82
to adult community education programmes
This is unfortunate given there is no
in 2009. Currently there is a combination of
evidence that early use of sign language in
locally available evening classes, minimal
children with cochlear implants impedes
NZSL resources and limited support for
speech development. Conversely, the use
families. This is not enough to provide the
of sign language can support or co-exist
natural learning environment for children
with the successful development of spoken
to acquire NZSL skills as a foundational
language.83
language.
It is important that those working with
Relatively more assistance is available
deaf infants and children provide balanced
to those who live in Auckland and
advice for parents to make informed
Christchurch. Kelston DEC has an early
decisions about their deaf child’s education
childhood centre and Van Asch DEC
or health.84 Article 25(d) of the Disability
provides an early intervention service.
Convention highlights the need to train
Both use NZSL to some extent. But families
health professionals in order to raise
outside these areas have limited or no
“awareness of the human rights, dignity,
access to acquiring NZSL as a foundational
autonomy and needs” of disabled people.85
language through the early intervention
For health professionals working with deaf
system.
children this should include training on
NZSL and about Deaf culture.
In 2010, the Ministry of Education
commissioned a scoping report on support
The Commission supports a bilingual
needed by NZSL users in order to access
approach in early intervention that provides
the curriculum. The final document, known
sign language and hearing technologies
as the Fitzgerald Report, recommended a
together. This could offer early access
new approach to early intervention that
to NZSL support and services to all
formally allowed for bilingual language
families with a child who is deaf or who
development in both NZSL and English
has communication difficulties. Parents
(written and spoken).81
may opt out of either approach (assistive
36