Sign language translation
New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) is one of New Zealand’s official languages. People in the Deaf community use NZSL to communicate.
See the latest guidance on sign language translation
This page is currently out of date — for the latest guidance on this topic, see Sign language translation — NZ Government.
Providing sign language translation
For many Deaf people, English is their second language and they are not fluent in it.
When you’re providing high-stakes information, it’s strongly recommended that you provide a sign language translation for both pre-recorded and live videos.
These videos were created by EyeFilms.
How sign language makes a video more accessible
Sign language provides access to video content for Deaf people in their first language, as they may find reading English more difficult.
Meeting the Web Accessibility Standard
When you provide sign language interpretation for a video, you meet WCAG’s Success Criterion 1.2.6 Sign Language (Prerecorded). This is a Level AAA requirement, which means that it’s not mandatory for meeting the NZ Government Web Accessibility Standard.
How to provide sign language in a video
For advice on NZSL translations for video, contact Deaf Aotearoa.
Testing the sign language in your video
Make sure that the NZSL translation has been approved by Deaf Aotearoa.
More information on Deaf culture and NZSL
Deaf culture and NZSL — Te Kete Ipurangi — Ministry of Education
Utility links and page information
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