Hearing Impaired Can Access Outward Bound Course

Deaf And Hearing Impaired Can Access Outward Bound Course

Aucklanders who are Deaf or hearing impaired can now enrol to attend a partially funded Outward Bound course tailored to meet their unique needs.

The course named Deaf Adventure, is a joint initiative between Deaf Aotearoa New Zealand and Outward Bound. It gives people from the Deaf community the chance to step outside their comfort zone and discover their full potential at an eight day Outward Bound course in the Marlborough Sounds.

Outward Bound Chief Executive, Trevor Taylor, said participants will take part in a full range of outdoor adventure activities just like any of their other courses.

“Outward Bound is about encouraging individuals to achieve much more in their lives than they ever thought was possible. Deaf Adventure participants will be encouraged to step outside their comfort zones to complete activities such as sailing, kayaking, rock climbing and tramping.

“At the same time, they will be challenged to push their personal limits through individual and team activities.”

Trevor said course participants walk away with a renewed sense of confidence and self appreciation, and are also better placed to build stronger relationships with others in the Deaf community.

Two New Zealand Sign Language interpreters will accompany the group throughout the course.
New Zealand Sign Language Interpreter Tania Davidson, one of a team of two who provided interpreting services for the hearing instructors and Deaf participants on two previous courses, said the Deaf Adventure course is a great opportunity for Deaf people.
“Outward Bound allows participants to test their mental and physical toughness in probably one of the most visually stunning natural environments in New Zealand,” Tania said.

“The partnership, support and ongoing involvement with Outward Bound has allowed us to continue delivering a high quality course for the Deaf community that really gets results.”

The Deaf Adventure course runs from 19 March – 26 March 2011 and is open to people aged 18 years and over who are Deaf or hearing impaired. The closing date for applications is 15 December 2010.

A Deaf Adventure presentation evening is to be held by Outward Bound at 8pm on Friday 26 November at the Auckland Deaf Society Clubrooms (164 Balmoral Road, Mt Eden).

ENDS

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