Deaf Diversity Around the Kitchen Table
The Deaf Wellbeing Society Incorporated external used funding to produce a series of films exploring the different and unique lives of Deaf New Zealanders.
The videos provide the opportunity for all Deaf to learn more about themselves, to gain greater confidence and to be proud of their identity, culture and history.
Deaf Wellbeing Society reached out to the NZ Deaf community and found a selection of Deaf who were interested to share their life stories through the food they love.
We talked with each person about their interests and what was important for them to share on camera. All interviews and films were filmed in NZSL.
We included Deaf Māori, Deaf seniors, Deaf parents, Deaf Plus (disability), Deaf immigrants and Deaf Youth and many more representatives of NZ Deaf.
The films enabled the Deaf community to feel empowered and resulted in creating conversations about our Deaf culture and ways to move forward.
Creating such Deaf positive films create Deaf role models and start awareness that role models don’t fit one size and can be found anywhere when given the opportunity.
We filmed and posted a total of 15 films (and recipes) in NZSL during the project time. It was a privilege to be involved with these amazing co-presenters. Many of the films had to be filmed remotely due to Covid 19 and the lockdowns.
Feedback from the Deaf community tells us how they enjoyed the films. The Deaf community genuinely felt proud of the co-presenters. The Deaf community asked many questions of Natasha and the co-presenters in the comments.
One of the positive things about our project is that the Deaf Diversity around the Kitchen Table in NZSL films keep getting viewed and commented on months and years after we post them.