A New Era in the Right to Sign 1.8.2 People with communication difficulties Survey showed that some 7700 partially or completely deaf adults living in households use NZSL. Other lower estimates, such as Hearing people with communication those done by Munro-Ludders, Dugdale and difficulties are included in the scope of this Johnston, are based on the assumption that report. Some currently use NZSL and many many deaf adults may not rely primarily others may potentially benefit from access on NZSL. Their estimate is that there are to NZSL. International research highlights approximately 4000 signing deaf people in the benefits of providing sign language New Zealand.44 learning and teaching for hearing disabled children, including children with autism, Māori make up a large proportion of Down’s Syndrome and learning disabilities.42 the deaf population in New Zealand, In New Zealand a trust has been established significantly higher than across the general to foster the use of sign language and visual population. The most recently available communication for children with Census data found that, in 2006, 39 per communication difficulties, their families cent of deaf people under the age of 19 and teachers.43 were Māori. 1.8.3 People who use NZSL Given the official status of NZSL, it is relevant to consider its wider use in New Zealand. The 2006 census figures reveal that 24,000 New Zealanders identify themselves as being able to use NZSL. This figure includes deaf people, their children, parents, siblings, spouses and friends, disabled people with communication difficulties, and interpreters. It is also likely to include adults who are second language learners of NZSL. The Inquiry’s analysis and recommendations have also considered the needs and aspirations of this wider group. There are no exact statistics on the number of signing deaf NZSL users in New Zealand. Statistics New Zealand’s 2006 Disability 29