Deaf Aotearoa Hosts World Federation of the Deaf

Deaf Aotearoa Hosts World Federation of the Deaf

Deaf Aotearoa is proud to be hosting the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) Board members during New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week, May 9th - 15th, 2016.

The WFD is respected around the world as the leading international organisation advocating for the human rights of Deaf people, says Deaf Aotearoa President Oliver Ferguson. He says the Federation’s priorities include the legal recognition of sign languages and strengthening the use of sign language in education.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to have the WFD support the celebration of our language and achievements. This visit can also highlight how New Zealand can improve, to ensure full human rights for Deaf Kiwis.”

With a theme of ‘Ten Times the Celebration’, this year’s NZSL Week (May 9-15) marks 10 years of NZSL Week and 10 years since NZSL became an official language of New Zealand. The WFD is holding its 110th Board meeting in Wellington during the week, with an official Mayoral Reception planned for the evening of Tuesday May 10th.

It’s the second time Deaf Aotearoa, one of 132 ordinary members of the WFD, has hosted a WFD Board meeting in New Zealand. Ordinary membership is represented by one registered national association of the deaf in each country. The WFD Board will end its visit as special guests of the NZSL Awards night at Te Papa on Saturday May 14th

ENDS

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