NZSL Board to fund Sign Language Proficiency adult assessment tool

The NZSL Board will fund the development and delivery of a national assessment service from April 2021, with secured funding for the first three years.

The Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) is an adult assessment tool, adapted for use in New Zealand in 2017, to measure New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) fluency. The assessment itself is a guided conversation based on work and social topics that can be completed in person or via distance using Zoom.

The NZSL Strategy (2018-2023) identifies acquisition of NZSL as its highest priority to maintain and promote NZSL. Measuring this outcome includes a number of factors including assessing the proficiency levels of NZSL users.  This is particularly important for people working with Deaf children and delivering services to Deaf people.   

The NZSL Board will fund the development and delivery of a national assessment service from April 2021, with secured funding for the first three years. The Office for Disability Issues will lead the service through the initial years. Developing the service will consider how to:

  • support the current and future assessor workforce through training and professional development
  • develop the service further, including building communication channels and processes to deliver a robust assessment service.

The service will support increasing proficiency and fluency of NZSL across New Zealand and will be available to for a range of people and professions, with an initial focus on professionals working in the field of Deaf Education.

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