Deaf communities are experts on D/deaf lives. CRPD Article 4.3 makes it clear that governments have an obligation to consult with organisations of D/deaf people and D/deaf with disabilities people on all matters related to D/deaf people and D/deaf with disabilities people. Note that CRPD stands for Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 

The WFD believes this principle also applies to other projects and activities. Representative Deaf organisations must be involved from the beginning in all projects and initiatives involving deaf people and sign languages. On this day, highlight your collaboration with deaf communities! 

Link to Position Paper on the primacy of deaf people in the development and teaching of national sign languages: https://wfdeaf.org/news/position-paper-on-the-primacy-of-deaf-people-in-the-development-and-teaching-of-national-sign-languages/

As a dedicated Deaf advocator in New Zealand for over three decades, I have actively participated in numerous meetings with the City Council, Disability Forum, and Waikato EGL Leadership. Sadly, I have noticed a troubling trend where many attendees fail to acknowledge the importance of having Deaf advocators like myself in attendance. This is disheartening, given our distinctive viewpoint and firsthand experience working with the Deaf community. It is vital to include Deaf advocators in these discussions, as they provide valuable insights that can improve our capacity to serve and support this community.

I have observed that numerous Deaf staff members work in businesses throughout New Zealand; regrettably, many of them appear to be disengaged from the Deaf community. Although the new Ministry of Disabled – Whaikaha is achieving some progress in facilitating these staff members to connect with the community, there is still substantial outreach work to be accomplished. It is imperative that we find ways to effectively integrate Deaf staff members into the community and guarantee that they are acknowledged and valued.