1. Experiences of the First Signs service: Findings from the 2016 survey of parents and whānau
First Signs is funded by the Ministry of Education and provided by Deaf Aotearoa to families with deaf and hard of hearing children. With First Signs, Deaf adults work alongside families. By June 2016, 102 children had been part of the service. The First Signs survey, carried out between January and June 2016, was intended for those who had received the service for six months or more. Twenty two families completed the survey. (Note that findings may not be representative of all First Signs users.)
The 22 respondents were located throughout NZ
Mothers provided almost all of the responses
About two-thirds had received the service for six months or more
Most communicated with their child using a mixture of NZSL and spoken language
Most considered their level of NZSL to be between “I can talk about and understand some things” to “I can’t really sign at all”
Most agreed First Signs had helped with family communication goals
Most were satisfied with the First Signs service
75% had a plan to use NZSL in their ECE centre
75% had a plan to use NZSL in the home

2. Overall, 19 of the 22 respondents were satisfied with First Signs
What worked well
Ideas for improvement
Have facilitators work in ECE centres, and provide NZSL training for ECE teachers:
Define specific and measurable goals that will allow parents to see signing knowledge grow
Tell us what signing resources families and ECE centres are entitled to
Improve liaison between Deaf Aotearoa and AODC - to avoid working at cross purposes in ECE centres
Train childcare teachers in NZSL
Wider ranging and more structured NZSL classes:
Have regular sessions, eg, weekly in ECE centres
Loan resources
Give adults concentrated learning time
Provide a guide for parents and tutors of expectations by age or proficiency
Provide lesson plan ideas
Supportive and patient facilitators, who tailored sessions to the families’ and children’s needs.
First Signs has been a great way to improve my NZSL and communication skills with deaf. I am so thankful for the commitment and support we receive for our daughter and her NZSL is improving every day.
Give clear guidance on what happens for children over 5 years.
Great facilitator - very warm and caring attitude.
Our first signs facilitator is a perfect match for our centre. Children love him and he works well with adults.