Massey’s first sign language club established

Massey’s first student-run sign language club has started at the Manawatū campus this semester. Student Teddy began trying to establish the Sign Language at Massey club near the start of Semester 2. They said they were learning New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) in Auckland and grew to love using it to communicate. 

“I’m hearing but I have made friends in the deaf community by learning the language and volunteering for the deaf club in Auckland,” they said. 

There were no sign language classes in Palmerston North until recently when Teddy contacted deaf-led company Merge NZ in Auckland to try and organise some. “Sadly, the intermediate lessons at my level were cancelled because not enough people signed up. I started the club because it’s sad to not see sign language anywhere in Palmerston North. I can’t practice the language so I’m losing it over time.” 

Teddy said about 30 people signed up to the club at Clubs Day, but meeting attempts have been less successful so far. They have not let this set them back however, and plan to keep persisting with efforts to establish. 

“I’m a resilient/stubborn person and I refuse to give up! My plan is to hold casual meetings to accumulate a semi regular group of members before trying again to hold an AGM.” 

It has not been easy for Teddy to get into contact with deaf students at Massey, which they found surprising. They say, “Not a single person I talked to even knew of a deaf or visually impaired person at the uni, which I find difficult to believe.” 

They plan to get in contact with Massey’s Disability Services to aid with networking for the club. They are especially passionate about the benefits their club could bring to students who hadn’t yet been exposed to NZSL. “I have met multiple hearing impaired/partially deaf students, students with selective mutism, and students with auditory processing disorder who would all benefit from New Zealand Sign Language but haven’t learnt it because it isn’t a necessity,” Teddy says.  

Casual meetings for the Sign Language at Massey club are held fortnightly from 1-3pm on Wednesdays, temporarily in the MUSA lounge until a booking for the MUSA building’s board room is confirmed. More information about the club can be found on their Facebook page.