Deaf Action NZ expresses disappointment over the withdrawal of NZSL interpreters for Parliament Question time.

"This is at the heart of democracy. Taking away NZSL access to the heart of NZ's government is a huge mistake. NZSL is an official language and is the only means of access for many people in the Deaf community” Deaf Action Chair Kim Robinson explained.

There are more than 3 NZSL Interpreting Agencies in NZ and also numerous freelance NZSL interpreters in NZ who could do this work via remote livestreaming that fits the current Parliament TV picture in picture format. The NZ Deaf Community is asking why? wtf is going on? It shows that there has been no engagement with the community in relation to access to the value of the service or to consider alternative means of provision.

Robinson says, "This is disappointing. NZ Deaf community deserves better access within government than this."

ENDS

© Scoop Media