About Deafblind Association NZ Charitable Trust

Be seen, be heard, be connected!

The Deafblind Association NZ was established as a charitable trust in 2014. Deafblind Association NZ is a not-for-profit organisation and receives no funding from central government.

There is much to do in raising awareness of what dual sensory loss means. We are inspired by the need for the deafblind to have an improved connection with their communities – geographical, online, individual, local, national, and international. Though communication can be a challenge, we are fostering healthy, accessible engagement between the deafblind, their whānau, service providers, funders, non-government organisations, and local and national government. Fostering relationships through active participation is front and centre to what we do.

Our Vision

For deafblind New Zealanders and their families to be empowered, connected, and included.

Our Mission

To partner with deafblind New Zealanders to support opportunities for connection and inclusion. We work to promote and represent the interests of people with deafblindness, their families and carers, and to encourage self-determination by people who are deafblind.

In pursuit of our mission, the Deafblind Association of New Zealand:

• Promotes self-advocacy of deafblind, primarily in Aotearoa
• Works to increase awareness of deafblindness as a dual sensory loss
• Collaborates with other organisations to influence government policy
• Supports and connects with research on deafblindness
• Adds to the knowledge base on deafblindness, especially in the context of Aotearoa

Values

• Dignity
• Accessibility
• Equity
• Respect for the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Respect for individuals
• Integrity
• Self-determination
• Professionalism
• Quality support
• Informed decision-making
• Accountability
• Transparency
• Flexibility
• Apolitical

Goals

• To facilitate effective communication for our deafblind community (between each other and with other members of the communities in which deafblind operate)
• The ultimate outcome will be achieved when the need for the association no longer exists

For further information about Deafblind Association New Zealand, please call us toll free on 0800-450-650.