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Council recognised for commitment to Deaf community

Monday 7 May 2012, 4:26PM

By Hutt City Council

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Mayor Ray Wallace at Saturday's award ceremony with Deaf Aotearoa community relations officer Shannon Morris (left) and service coordinator Karen Pointon.
Mayor Ray Wallace at Saturday's award ceremony with Deaf Aotearoa community relations officer Shannon Morris (left) and service coordinator Karen Pointon. Credit: Hutt City Council

LOWER HUTT

Mayor Ray Wallace says he was “incredibly proud” to accept the Public Service Award on behalf of Hutt City Council at the New Zealand Sign Language in Action Awards on Saturday night.

The award recognises service providers that have been helpful to Deaf New Zealanders and can show a strong commitment to the Deaf community.

It follows the launch of a Deaf access centre in council’s building on Laings Road.

Hutt City Council and Deaf Aotearoa worked together to provide the centre which is a place where Deaf community members can access the internet, web cam, and video phone to communicate with Deaf Aotearoa staff as well as government agencies and other services.

“It’s fantastic that Hutt City Council has been recognised by the Deaf community with this award.

“The Deaf access centre is a great initiative and I welcome members of our Deaf community to come and use the service.”

Front-line council staff have also had basic training in sign language to complement the centre.
Another local winner on the night was MasterPet Lower Hutt who took out the Accessible Award for the actions they’ve taken to make it possible for their two Deaf staff to be aware of emergencies at work.