Award winners

The Judges have decided on the winners for the NZSL In Action Awards 2010.

Here is a small paragraph on what made these applicants stand out and be awarded.

Congratulations to ALL nominees. Thank you to everyone who submitted (put in) an application. The number of applicants and the quality was very high and it was a difficult decision to make.

A NZSL video announcing the winners will be put on the nzsign.co.nz website shortly. The winners will be presented with their certificates in person at the closest Fun Day to their home.

Please spread the word and congratulate the winners

Interpreter of the Year Award - Alan Wendt - Wellington

Alan is recognised as a very professional interpreter but he also does so much voluntary work in the community.

He has a large knowledge - professionally and personally and has a mammoth heart to help towards the community always lending a "helping hand" to events/organistions.

One example is him becoming a celebrant giving the opportunity for people who are seeking a NZSL celebrant.

NZSL Champion Award - Bridget Ferguson - Wellington

Bridget has shown much determination and passion for the Deaf community in her role as an Advisor working with Deaf children.

She is very involved with the Deaf community voluntarily and thrives on education in NZ which she often seen debating. She loves research and to be able to break barriers for Deaf in NZ

She deserves to be honoured for her mammoth experience and advocacy

Well done Bridget!

NZSL in Teaching Award - Lisa Shand - New Plymouth

Lisa is a tutor at the Western Institute of Technology in the Taranaki. She is a fantastic tutor - her students have appreciated her time and effort in tutoring and ths is reflected in their comments like "I'm really enjoying the course", "loved the course and am excited to start the next course"

Lisa is very accommodating and willing to help.

Lisa's presence at the annual Careers and Training Expo helps to promote understanding in the community and that the hearing impaired and Deaf are full and active members of the community

Public Service Award - Constable Deborah Leahy - NZ Police - Auckland

During her frontline duty work Constable Leahy met many Deaf people and recognising that communication was difficult she took it upon herself to start learning NZSL.

Constable Leahy then decided to extend her learning and enrolled in a full time university course at AUT completing the Certificate in NZ Sign Language and deaf Studies graduating with Merits.

She has also organised NZSL classes for her police and NZ Fire Brigade colleagues, been an integral part in the new emergency texting service for the Deaf community.

Her initiative in learning NZSL has been rewarded with positive progress in communication between the West Auckland Police and the Deaf Community.

Her superiors are proud of her and so are we. Handwaves to Constable Leahy!

NZSL Accessible Award - The Learning Connexion - Wellington

The Learning Connexion has shown their commitment to using NZSL by supporting their onsite and distance study D/deaf students.

They
• host a tour for the Deaf community at each end of term exhibition delivered in NZSL by an interpreter
• Their onsite communicator uses NZSL in class
• Create short video clips in NZSL on youtube and all other videos have captions added
• Offer a free class for hearing students wo want to learn NZSL

The NZSL in Action Awards judges felt that the Learning Connexion has shown considerable commitment and support of the Deaf community and NZSL

NZSL in Schools Award - Paparoa Ranges School - Greymouth

This school has shown a most inclusive mainstream learning environment for Deaf children.

The school is located in a small rural environment with limited resources and NZSL training. Despite this when the teachers learned that a new Deaf boy would be joining the school the teachers took it upon themselves to start learning NZSL.

They have shown full commitment to ensuring the environment was inclusive of this new student and his first language - NZSL. They are trying to fundraise for an interactive whiteboard, but they have also furnished the classrooms with NZSL posters, setting up skype on one of the school computers and employing a teacher aide who has some sign language skills - all making the best use of what little resources they have.

The result is a happy relaxed child surrounded by lots of friends, supported by teachers, teacher aides and staff who obviously care.

NZSL Maori Champion Award

Unfortunately no applicants were received for this award