Our main functions include providing support, information and education services.  We have specialized support groups and can assist with interpreter bookings. We have a Service Co-ordinator and Needs Assessment service for the Deaf and we also provide equipment assessments and vocational services.

Interpreting Service
We are able to assist and support with interpreter bookings but encourage people to independently contact iSign who are the booking agent for this service.  iSign can be contacted at Ph (09) 820 5176, Fax 0800 GET ISIGN or Mobile 0064 21 545 273, Email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Needs Assessment and Service Co-ordination
We provide a three step Needs Assessment/Service Coordination service. This includes initial interview, service plan, and service coordination to meet your goals.

Equipment
We have a Service Coordinator who is an Accredited Equipment assessor to check if you qualify for equipment from government funding to meet your needs and also assist with the installation of funded equipment.

Community Education
We organize a range of educational workshops presented in New Zealand Sign Language. Our workshops are open to all Deaf people. Keep an eye on our newsletter for upcoming workshops and programmes.

NZSL Classes
Deaf Aotearoa provides opportunity to learn Sign Language.  Times and dates to be arranged with office staff on (09) 437 2022 for classes.

Information and advice
Want to know the latest? Northland Sign Newsletter is produced monthly sent by either post, email or fax. Sign up for our newsletter today. It costs nothing! Community notices are also sent occasionally through email. Our Service Coordinators can also provide you with some information and advice, or explain information you receive.

Read our latest newsletter here: Northern Hub Newsletter August 2011.pdf

Key Contacts

Glennis Walkinshaw

Service Coordinator/Employment Consultant

I have two roles at Deaf Aotearoa New Zealand, Northland Branch. 

One as the Service Coordinator which focuses on meeting with people who are either Deaf or hearing impaired, their carers, family and whanau. I respond to queries regarding equipment, support with Government Agency appointments and provide links to all other services as required by offering support and information in any way I can to make daily life easier.

I visit people either in their homes, at Day Agencies at Work and Income Offices or in my office in Whangarei. I have a client base which currently encompasses the area from Warkworth and Dargaville to Kaitaia.

In my role as Employment Consultant I assist with C.V’s, job search, interview skills and interview support.  I approach employers to profile clients, arrange work experience if necessary and discuss employee needs, arrange equipment in the workplace and contact supporting agencies. I also assist with post placement support and employer education where necessary.

021 64 1178
Glennis.Walkinshaw@deaf.org.nz

Alana Best

Community Relations Officer

I have three different parts in my job.  First part is that I organize workshops and community meetings for Deaf and hearing impaired community where New Zealand Sign Language is in use. I send out newsletters and weekly news so they know when important meetings and workshops is coming up. 

Second part is finding information and actively networking with different organizations.

Last part in my job is that I support each community member when needing assistance in something they don’t understand or feeling they are being discriminated against just because they’re Deaf or hearing-impaired.

Altogether in all parts of my job, my number one job is that I give Deaf members more independent in what they want to do by giving them my support and assistance anytime.

021 540191
Alana.Best@deaf.org.nz