Rekha Rosario was named interpreter of the year at the New Zealand Sign Language Awards in May. Photo: Supplied
A sign language interpreter from Christchurch is urging the Indian community to learn New Zealand Sign Language.
Originally from the Indian state of Kerala, Rekha Rosario grew up in Mumbai but moved to New Zealand with her family in 2002.
"I grew up watching a deaf family member struggle to access education, services, employment and healthcare because of his unique communication needs," Rosario says.
Previously employed by India's Customs and Central Excise Department, Rosario decided to secure employment in a sign language role in 2004, enrolling in a summer school at Auckland University of Technology before going on to complete a diploma.
Rosario says it was difficult to learn New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) but was able to graduate thanks to the support of her family.
During her studies in New Zealand, Rosario encountered many of the systemic barriers she had previously come across in India.
"This further fueled my desire to work with the deaf community in New Zealand," she says.
In April 2006, NZSL became New Zealand's third official language under the New Zealand Sign Language Act, alongside English and te reo Māori.
The legislation attempted to ensure the country's hearing-impaired community had equal access to government information and services.
Working as a NZSL interpreter in New Zealand with Indian heritage, Rosario acknowledges the challenges she faces.
"I constantly face judgement from clients when I meet them for the first time, but it also gives me an opportunity to showcase my Indian values," she says.
Rosario was named interpreter of the year at the New Zealand Sign Language Awards in May.
In giving Rosario the award, the committee described her as an "outstanding professional who has a genuine commitment to the role of interpreter and to ensuring deaf people have access to information".
"Her commitment to enhancing communication, whether in medical settings, online meetings or personal interactions, exemplifies the qualities that define an outstanding NZSL interpreter."
Rosario expressed gratitude to the disabled community for recognizing her work over the past 18 years, saying the award motivated her to continue her efforts.
She says South Asian communities have welcomed her with open arms.
"I have been able to provide culturally in-depth interpretation at Indian events such as citizenship ceremonies and weddings," Rosario says.
Younger members of the Indian disabled community have told Rosario her interpretations have helped them feel more connected to their heritage and culture.
Rosario hopes her work will inspire others from the South Asian community to learn sign language and become interpreters.
"There is a huge demand in the field after the Covid-19 pandemic," she says.
According to the 2018 census, about 4600 hearing-impaired people live in Aotearoa, with around 23,000 using sign language in some way.
Rosario feels a sense of accomplishment with her work in the community.
"As an interpreter, I strive to provide precise and clear communication between the hearing and the deaf community," she says. "Every time I do this, I feel fulfilled in my purpose."
