Vision

Equality for Deaf in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Deaf Aotearoa:

• Promotes the advancement of human rights for Deaf people
• Celebrates New Zealand Sign Language
• Works with Dedication, Discipline and Determination to strengthen the rights of Deaf people.

Deaf Aotearoa aims to act in everyway in New Zealand, and internationally as appropriate, for the best interest, well being and aspirations of Deaf people and towards the goal of equality and full participation in society by Deaf individuals.  Deaf Way Report

The organisation focuses on promoting Awareness of, Access to and Advancement of NZSL – to help strengthen the rights of Deaf people and give them the confidence to be an active part of society.

As a member of the World Federation of the Deaf, Deaf Aotearoa is accountable to the Federation’s principles – promoting the human rights of Deaf people in accordance with the objectives of the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Services

Deaf Aotearoa provides Deaf and hearing impaired New Zealanders with knowledge, information, resources and skills - enabling them to independently manage events in their own lives.  Deaf Aotearoa delivers a variety of services including needs assessment, service coordination, equipment assessment and employment consultants.

It also:

• Provides access to information and services
• Offers Think.Deaf.Discover and Think.Sign.Connect workplace training programmes
• Facilitates ongoing academic research and provides resources for local and national government - Deaf Way Report
• Lobbies for better access to opportunities and services on behalf of New Zealand’s Deaf community
• Encourages Deaf New Zealanders to pursue opportunities that will better their lives and to chase their dreams.
• Promotes NZSL nationally and in communities throughout the country.

Key Focus Areas

Community Development – Deaf Aotearoa is committed to developing programmes that empower Deaf individuals towards full participation in New Zealand society. 

Social Enterprise – Deaf Aotearoa seeks and acts on commercial opportunities in support of its purpose and provide work opportunities for the Deaf community on a large scale.

Services – Deaf Aotearoa delivers flexible, responsive and dynamic services which incorporate the Deaf community’s needs.  

Positive Public Awareness – Deaf Aotearoa provides programmes that raise NZ society’s awareness of NZSL and the Deaf community.