We offer face to face introductory
training in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) & Deaf Culture to businesses, community groups and individuals.
Taught by Julie Fraser, a fully-qualified NZSL teacher. Sign Equity are a mobile service - we come to YOU wherever you are in Christchurch & Canterbury. You decide when, where and how often you are taught.
Julie explains more about how Sign Equity works in this video.
Build stronger connections
Learning NZSL allows you to communicate directly with Deaf and hard of hearing
individuals, fostering inclusion and building a more connected community.
Improve your
communication skills
NZSL goes beyond basic communication. Our courses improve your overall
communication skills by emphasising clarity, expression, and active listening.
Open doors to new opportunities
Knowing NZSL benefits both personal and professional development. It can improve
customer service, expand your clientele & create a more inclusive work environment.
"If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head.
If you talk to him in his own language,
that goes to his heart.”
- NELSON MANDELA
Why Should We Learn Basic NZSL?
Did you know New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) is the primary language of Deaf and hard of hearing people. NZSL is our second official language, after Te Reo Maori. While many are familiar with basic Maori greetings, imagine the impact of understanding some basic NZSL as well.
One in ten people across New Zealand have some form of hearing loss and nearly 25,000 people use NZSL. This includes those who are non-verbal.
Learning NZSL through Sign Equity not only equips individuals and organisations with practical communication skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of Deaf Culture. This knowledge enhances customer service, staff confidence, and overall communication within diverse settings. For businesses, improved client relations and expanded clientele are direct benefits, while educational institutions and medical centres can enhance their inclusivity and service delivery.
Communication is a fundamental right, and a significant portion of New Zealanders are missing out on many things by not having access to this.
Don't be part of the gap.
Sign Equity makes learning NZSL easy and accessible.
Who Do We Teach?
-
Tell me about your tailored, skill-based courses.Sign Equity's unique courses are highly customisable, ranging from introductory courses to comprehensive extension sessions. On offer: Introductory Course: A foundation in NZSL and Deaf culture over 6 hours, split into convenient 30 or 60-minute sessions. Tailored Course: Customised to meet specific learning goals, also totalling 6 hours and offered in flexible session lengths. Extension Courses: Building on introductory knowledge, available in two progressive stages, each also spanning 6 hours and adaptable to session preferences. Sample Sessions: Short 1 to 2-hour sessions for a quick overview or refresher. Tailored Workshops: In-depth learning experiences spread over 8 hours across 3 days. Visual Delivery in Conferences: Offering a concise hour-long presentation tailored for corporate settings. Ask us which would be best for you.
-
How is your approach to learning NZSL different?What sets Sign Equity apart is our commitment to delivering unique program materials, session notes, and reinforcement strategies tailored exclusively for our clients. By bringing NZSL education directly to clients through our mobile service, Sign Equity ensures convenience and accessibility, allowing sessions to be conducted at times and locations that suit the learners best.
-
Who do you teach?Anyone! Adults - 18 years and older Children - (2 to 6 years - hearing only) and up to 17 years Non-verbal Adults and Children Professionals Staff Community Educational Centres Medical Centres ... and more
-
Do you teach set words and phrases?No, we work out a course of NZSL that's going to work best for you, your business or your community group. All our programmes, session notes and reinforcement activities are unique to us at Sign Equity.
-
What about enrolment and pricing?As each course is designed to meet your specific needs, pricing varies based on the number of participants and the tailored nature of the program. We encourage all prospective learners to contact us directly to discuss your requirements and receive detailed information on course offerings and pricing. You will be able to choose when, where and how often you are taught.
Proud Winners
We were thrilled to be honoured at the 2020 Access Alliance People's Choice Awards! Taking home both Best Social Inclusion and the Supreme Accessibility Award for Business solidified our commitment to breaking down communication barriers. This recognition fuels our passion to empower businesses and the Deaf community to connect.
Please support the Access Alliance with #AccessMatters & #AccessLawNow
"Every New Zealander should be able to fully participate in society, have the opportunity to learn, to get a job, and to take part in community and social life.
Without government action to ensure all businesses, buildings, and services are accessible, one in four of us continue to be excluded from accessing or fully participating in parts of life that other Kiwis take for granted."
- ACCESS ALLIANCE NZ