Did you know sign language is one of New Zealand's three official languages?
Sign language helped Administrator Paul Pua speak, assisting him in overcoming some of the challenges associated with having a hearing-implant.
Paul had his first major ear surgery at the age of five, was the first student with a hearing impairment to attend his school, and despite all of his obstacles now describes himself as a talkative person.
Currently working at Auckland Council as an Administrator in Operations Support for Arts, Community and Events, Paul shares his story.
Talk us through your journey.
Twenty-one years ago, I was born with both ears deformed and unable to hear my own mother's voice. There was a light of hope when doctors saw that my right ear drum was able to pick up sound but was covered by skin. At age five, I underwent my first major surgery which was a skin graft using skin from under my right arm.
How did this impact upon your education and home life?
I went to Kelston Deaf Education Centre and then onto Kelston Primary, St Leonards Primary and then Takapuna Primary. I attended tutorials and special classes and had therapists teach me how to talk.
My family also learnt a bit of sign language which helped me focus on how to sign 'go do the dishes' or 'go do your homework' so, rather than the Jandal flying at me, I would understand! I was also able to sing in choirs because of my improved hearing ability.
What were some key milestones in your journey to learning how to communicate?
I began to make leaps and bounds with sign language to help me speak. I wore a Cochlear hearing aid (that looks like a head band) until I was nine years old. Then I underwent my second major surgery on the left side of my head to insert a new implant device that would pick up sound and send vibrational signals to my brain. During this time, I continued to communicate with my fellow students using sign language.
You have a very inspirational story and you've obviously had to make some brave decisions along the way.
Yes. I stopped practising sign language when I made the tough decision to go to the mainstream Marcellin College, where I was the first student with a hearing impairment. I was well looked after though, and was assigned a sign language interpreter.
What has sign language meant for you?
Although I no longer practise sign language, I am overwhelmed at the thought that without it, I would not have been able to speak.
"Thanks to sign language I have become a great debater, public speaker, listener (how ironic) and mostly a talkative person!"
My last surgery was in 2011 that unfortunately affected my vocal chords and which means that my singing capabilities are no longer what they used to be. However, I am still able to speak and bring laughter to our wonderful Arts, Community and Events Department.
