We teach
New Zealand Sign Language
Introductory & Extension Courses
In New Zealand we have amazing communities. Within these, are smaller community groups who love to be inclusive of people from all walks of life.
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Sports Clubs
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Church Groups
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Crafting Clubs
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Community Hubs / Centres
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Men's / Woman's Groups
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Community Support Networks
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Volunteering Groups
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Social Services
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Education and Resource Centres
... just to name a few, so...
In New Zealand we have three languages:
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English (de facto Official)
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Maori - Te Reo (Official 1987)
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New Zealand Sign Language - NZSL (Official 2006).
“Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things.” - Flora Lewis
Sign Equity is here to help!
Expand your mind and become more confident in yourself
Learn a visual form of communication.
...we think basic NZSL should be taught to all members of the community to support those that use it.
Our Vision
A society where everybody can communicate their basic
requirements for everyday needs!
At Sign Equity, our goal is to teach basic NZSL and Deaf Culture to as many people in Christchurch and Canterbury (or wherever NZSL is needed) as possible. We would like the Deaf community and other NZSL users to have access to their language when communicating with others.
“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.” - Nelson Mandela
Knowing the basics of NZSL will forever be a useful tool. Maybe you already know of someone who uses NZSL in their daily life - they could be a family member, friend or colleague. You may work somewhere and wish to communicate with a client who frequents your workplace? The possibilities are endless....
We also cater to businesses & individuals.
In New Zealand
According to the 2013 New Zealand Health & Disability Survey, done through Statistics New Zealand, there are 380,000 people with a hearing loss. 219,000 males and 161,000 females.
In Christchurch alone, 10% of the population have some form of hearing loss.
The 2018 Census states there are 22, 986 NZSL users in the country, up from 20,235 in 2013
Sign language is not only used by Deaf people, but also other people who are unable to use their voice or simply prefer to communicate in NZSL.
Communication is one of the most basic human right
and is being overlooked by a huge part of
the New Zealand community.
Why Learn NZSL?
“Knowledge of languages is the doorway to wisdom.” - Roger Bacon
Our course introduces you to New Zealand's beautiful non-verbal language, NZSL.
This basic course teaches you:
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Information on Deaf Culture
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The Fingerspelling Alphabet
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Numbers
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Greetings and Responses
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Common words
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Emergency signs
We also discuss with you, words your group uses everyday, family, hobbies, sports, work etc. and include some of these signs into your programme.
As our courses are tailored to what you require, we are unable to post prices online.
Contact us and once we know exactly what you require, we can send you a free, no obligation quote.
We come to you and teach up to 10 people in a group setting.
If you think NZSL may be beneficial to the business you work in, please send your employer the following link... 'What We Offer - Businesses'.
Sign Equity is here to help!
Why Learn Basic NZSL?
Community Groups
Our vision is for the Deaf and hearing communities in Canterbury and ideally, the rest of New Zealand, to communicate more easily together.