There are some strong views on the support from the Ministry of Education’s provision of sign language and assistive Communication Services. technologies for deaf children. The Commission acknowledges the value of offering both sign language and hearing 2.2 What is required technologies together. This means parents have access to both and then opt out of, rather than into, a specific approach. 2.2.1 International framework The right to education for all children was There are an estimated 3000 deaf recognised in the Universal Declaration of and hearing impaired students who Human Rights (UDHR, Article 26) in 1948. need specialist support to access the It has since been articulated in a range curriculum.58 Their levels of need range of international treaties including the from those who are profoundly deaf to International Covenant on Economic, Social those with a mild or unilateral (one ear) and Cultural Rights (ICESCR, 1966) and hearing impairment. It is estimated that 98 the Convention on the Rights of the Child per cent of these deaf and hearing impaired (UNCROC, 1989). students are enrolled in regular schools. A small number are enrolled in the Kelston or The right to education is set out in articles Van Asch Deaf Education Centres (DECs) in 28 and 29 of the UNCROC. In addition, Auckland and Christchurch, or in satellite article 23 recognises children with physical units.59 The two DECs are schools for deaf or mental disabilities are entitled to enjoy children and national providers of specialist a “full and decent life” in conditions that outreach services. ensure dignity, promote self-reliance and facilitate the child’s active participation in This diverse group of learners covers the community. a range of cultures, ages and abilities. It includes an estimated 300 to 500 Article 24 of the Disability Convention prelingually deaf children whose learning addresses the right to education, specifying could benefit from NZSL to develop how this right can be realised for deaf language effectively and to access the children. It has been described as the curriculum.60 In addition, there are non- most important article for deaf people.61 deaf students with communication It assures the right to education “in the difficulties who may benefit from access most appropriate languages” which for to NZSL. There are 7250 children who deaf people includes learning through sign have difficulties with talking, listening and language. The Disability Convention calls understanding language, and who receive on governments to take appropriate steps 32