Guides and toolkits

Including a Disability Perspective - A toolkit for policy makers

Any decision by government may have an impact upon disabled people and their families. This online resource helps policy makers incorporate a disability perspective in government policy – in such things as drafting laws and regulations, developing policies, strategies and initiatives, and making changes to or developing new services – so we can contribute to making New Zealand an enabling, inclusive society.

Effective Communication with Deaf People - A guide to using New Zealand Sign Language interpreters

In this guide, you will find advice on how to achieve effective communication with deaf people, through your contact with service users, work colleagues, or generally as citizens. Working with sign language interpreters is usually critical to making effective communication happen. Written English is not a suitable substitute for many deaf people.

Key actions covered include what interpreters do and how to book one, what your responsibilities are when booking sign language interpreters, and common things that can affect communicating well with deaf people. Government agencies need to ensure services and information provided to the public are accessible to deaf people. This responsibility is stated in the New Zealand Sign Language Act 2006, which has principles to guide government agencies in their interaction with deaf people (section 9). It is also stated in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (article 21).