Virtual Deaf Space- Students Voices Being Heard by Ko Taku Reo Deaf Education NZ
Virtual Deaf Space: Students' Voices Being Heard
Angela Lindsay - Outreach School Teacher of the Deaf and Thora Huebner - Deaf Culture Learning & Teaching Lead — November 18, 2021
Early in 2021, high school Deaf and hard of hearing students in mainstream schools expressed their desire to connect with other Deaf rangatahi and Deaf adults, and to explore topics about navigating life as a Deaf person. From this, a Virtual Deaf Space for seniors was conceived and a trial initiated in Term 4.
Kia ora koutou katoa! Greetings Everyone!
We are very excited to announce that a trial, Virtual Deaf Space for senior Deaf and hard of hearing students from mainstream settings, began in November with four weekly sessions, 1-hour long each. The team involved in the Virtual Deaf Space trial includes Denise Powell, Sarah de Heer, Thora Huebner and Angela Lindsay.
The Virtual Deaf Space trial focused on specific topics, as requested by the students:
- Identity / Deafhood: exploring own journey to self-discovery and belonging
- Preparation for Leaving school
- Navigating hearing world
- Improving NZSL skills
- How to use NZSL Interpreters
- Social and mental well-being
- Self-advocacy and resilience
Already, we can see that Virtual Deaf Space has much potential - to grow, be further developed, have other topics added to the programme and many other possibilities.
It’s all very exciting!
If you want to register an Expression of Interest for your high school Deaf and hard of hearing child to enter the Virtual Deaf Space next year, please contact Sarah de Heer at: sarah.deheer@kotakureo.school.nz or phone 0800 332 369.
