Deaf Aotearoa’s Hauora service is a nationwide service that understands and responds to Deaf and hard-of-hearing people’s needs.

The Hauora service offers:

1. needs assessment and coordination

2. applications for assistive equipment

3. information and advice.

*Hauora is an holistic approach to health and wellbeing. It is a Māori concept that views wellbeing as a combination of physical health, emotional/mental health, being socially healthy, and being spiritually healthy.

Employment

Deaf Aotearoa’s Employment service is a nationwide service focused on getting Deaf and hard-of-hearing people into successful employment.

It includes pre-employment support and in-work support for both the Deaf person and employers.

The Employment service offers support for:

1. Deaf and hard-of-hearing people to get a job

2. Deaf and hard-of-hearing people to remain in their job

3. employers to understand more about employing Deaf people, including information on Deaf culture and funding for New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) interpreters in the workplace.

First Signs

A nationwide Deaf Aotearoa service for Deaf and hard-of-hearing children aged 0-5, supporting families and whānau with:

1. Learning New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)

2. Language development

3. Learning about being Deaf/hard-of-hearing in Aotearoa

4. Connecting with other families and Deaf role models.

Youth Services

Deaf Aotearoa’s Youth service develops the potential of Deaf and hard-of-hearing youth as individuals and as a group, by providing:

1. a transition programme to guide young people into work or study

2. a youth intern programme

3. activities to develop strong Deaf identities and leadership skills.

iSign

iSign enables access and participation for Deaf people by providing professional and confidential New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) interpreting services.

iSign is a nationwide service enabling effective communication between Deaf and hearing people.

iSign matches job requests with available and appropriate interpreters throughout New Zealand.

iSign contracts more than 80 qualified interpreters who are all members of their professional body, ensuring a confidential and professional service.

Funding is available to cover a wide range of interpreting service jobs.

iSign staff can advise on available sources of funding. Funding information is also available on the ‘How it Works/Who Pays?’ page of the iSign website.

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