Deaf Aotearoa is dedicated to celebrating NZSL, an official language of Aotearoa. We strive to advocate and break down barriers for the Deaf community across New Zealand by encouraging the use of NZSL.
However, we can’t do this alone. To be able to achieve our vision of an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere, we need the support of compassionate people like you.
By purchasing any NZSL Week merchandise, you are directly contributing to:
Providing Essential Services for The Next Generation: Your support enables us to offer critical NZSL services such as First Signs, an education program for Deaf 0 – 5-year-olds and their families, ensuring they have access to NZSL setting them up for success throughout life.
Advocacy: With your help, we can continue to talk about the barriers the Deaf community face daily through lack of use of NZSL and advocate for change. Talking about these barriers helps us break them down and enables people to try learning more NZSL.
Employment Support: We assist Deaf individuals in securing meaningful employment, moving from temporary or part-time roles into permanent positions and even leadership roles. This promotes self-worth and removes reliance on government support. Deaf people are also able to utilise their skills to support workplaces that are committed to being Deaf and NZSL friendly.
There are universal benefits of learning NZSL – It isn’t just for Deaf people.
Learning NZSL isn’t just beneficial for the Deaf community; it offers advantages for everyone. Communicating in challenging noisy settings, settings where distance is a factor or situations requiring silence.
By learning NZSL, you contribute to a more inclusive society where Deaf individuals feel valued and understood. You get to say you know one of NZ’s beautiful official languages. And you get to play your part in creating an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere.
Every Item Purchased Makes a Difference
From the profits of every item purchased, we can put that money towards funding vital NZSL programmes and services. Things like workshops, translation and enhancing accessibility through NZSL tools and resources.
Your purchase is more than just a T-shirt, a hoodie, a sweater, or a drink bottle; it’s a statement of solidarity, a step towards inclusivity, and a contribution to a cause that breaks down barriers to transform lives.
Join us in making NZSL thrive. Together, we are working toward creating a society where we live in an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere.
