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Further education

Matauranga matua

What support is there for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in further education?

All tertiary learning providers are focused on student success, however it is up to the individual student to self-advocate to know and be able to express what support they need and be able to ask for help.

Two students in a school hallway

Tū Kōkiri

At Tū Kōkiri in central Auckland, a post-secondary school programme provides a two year pathway working towards life readiness into employment or continuing education at tertiary level.

Start preparing early

If your young adult is looking to enrol in a tertiary learning institute it is wise that they approach the disability support services in June the previous year. This allows funding to be allocated for services early and to avoid disappointment if budget lines have been exhausted.

Searching for learning support

This is called many things depending on the learning institute. For example:

Ara Institute of Canterbury offers:

  • Learning services — a free service that offers learning and study advice and student resources to help with studies
  • Disability services — information, services, and equipment to help make the most of study
  • Supported learning — learning for students with intellectual or learning disabilities

AUT offers:

  • Disability support services — supporting students with a disability or impairment to participate as fully as possible in learning
  • Academic support from learning advisors

Other forms of support that may be offered include:

  • Sign language interpreting
  • Notetaking support in class
  • Loop or personal FM systems, digital recorders and SmartPens
  • Course materials in alternative formats
  • Training on different software systems or technology
  • Assistive technology like screen readers, magnifiers, and specialised software
  • Alternative arrangements for exams (e.g. extra time, readers and writers, separate rooms)
  • Information around campus accessibility (e.g. maps, parking information)
  • Talking with your lecturers or programme leaders
  • Group or individual support with math and literacy skills
  • Assistance with feedback on draft assignment work
Group of students signing

Funding sources

There are a variety of financial supports that can be accessed for further studies, such as:

  • Work and Income training support funding (through Workbridge)
  • Work and Income student allowance and student loan
  • Work and Income Disability allowance
  • Scholarships through NFD; Deaf Educational Scholarship, Training and Development Scholarship, Community Fund and Noonan Trust (criteria applies)
  • Deaf Children New Zealand (NCNZ)
  • Dennis Nathan Educational Trust
  • Dulcie Bowman Memorial Scholarship
  • Mary Adeline Allen Scholarship
  • M G Martin Charitable Trust (In association with The Hearing Association (Auckland) Inc.)
  • Oticon Foundation Grant
  • Shirley McKenzie Scholarship

If you need support in your planning and preparations for the next steps in further education, please make contact with us via this form.