Information for Families
A wide range of services are provided by the Centre to provide guidance to parents.
To find out more see Specialist Services
Frequently Asked Questions
 How Does the Ear Work?Click on the image to see the animation. |
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 How Does a Hearing Aid Work?Click on the image to see the animation. Parts and functions of the Hearing Aid and Radio Aid. Click to see images, diagrams and spoken english video clips. |
What are Cochlear Implants and How Do They Work?
 How a Cochlear Implant WorksClick on the image to see the animation. Names and functions of the internal and external parts of the cochlear implant. Click to see images, diagrams and spoken english video clips. Hearing Equipment & Funding > What options are available? |
 What is New Zealand Sign Language?Click on the image to find out. |
What is it Like to be Deaf?
- read Benazir's story
 > Benazir's story(as it was printed in 'Upstart' magazine). |
Will my deaf child learn to read and write?
Technology for Deaf
 >Technology @ HomeA look at the use of Technology in a deaf persons home. |
van Asch Deaf Education Centre Enrolments
Van Asch Deaf Education Centre is a Special School and all enrolments require Ministry of Education approval.
For enquires about enrolment contact the school directly or an Advisor on Deaf Children at your local Group Special Education office.
> What is an Advisor on Deaf Children? (attached PDF document)
New Zealand Federation for Deaf Children (Inc.)
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New Zealand Federation for Deaf Children Incorporated (NZFDC) is the Executive of a National group made up of Parent Groups throughout New Zealand, from Northland Parents of Deaf Children in the north to Southland Association for Deaf Children in Invercargill.
The Federation aims to support parents of deaf children. Parents, must be a current financial member of a member group, however. The Federations services include: family information kits, assistive equipment subsidies, tutor fee assistance, scholarships for tertiary students, a quarterly newsletter and subsidies for deaf youth camps
Member Groups of the Federation are: Northland Parents of Deaf Children Inc., Auckland Parents of Deaf Children Inc., Canterbury Parents of Deaf Children Inc., Nelson Association for the Welfare of Deaf Children Inc., Otago Association for Deaf Children Inc., Manawatu Association for Deaf Children Inc., South Canterbury Society for Deaf Children Inc., Southland Association for Deaf Children Inc., Wellington Association for Deaf Children Inc., Parents of Deaf Children (Taranaki) Inc., Waikato Deaf Children's Association and the Deaf/Blind Parents Group. If you wish to make contact with any of these groups go to the Federations website listed above for contact details.
Parent Feedback
My name is Arihia Kapa and my son Cruze, who is profoundly deaf, is a residential student at van Asch. Cruze comes from Gisborne and started his schooling at VADEC in February 2007. After visiting on a few occasions, Cruze and I decided he would like to give van Asch schooling and residential living a try. As our beautiful little city is limited with our one and only skilful Resouce Teacher of the Deaf/Deaf Advisor who shared 10 years of advise and service with us it was time to venture out. You could only imagine my fear.... 'is this going to work?'...'how safe will my child be?'... etc..etc..
I have recently had my third visit to VADEC since Cruze started his schooling there, and seeing him in the school and residential environment I felt a strong 'sense of belonging' and valued sense of identity, on every occasion.
He loves it at van Asch. The 'one on one' style of teaching is so appropriate to meet his needs. The challenges for student are realistic and set when the student is ready. His stay in the residential houses is like a 'home away from home' and more. They are all loved and cared for just like I would want it to be. The sharing and family atmosphere is great 'Whakaawhanaungatanga' at its best.
Thank you VADEC, you are all so important in Cruze's ongoing development. I look forward to our growing relationship.
Na, Arihia Kapa.
My name is Lorraine. My son Sam is a VADEC residential student. van Asch meets all of Sam's wants and needs, which is very comforting when you would love to have your child at home with you. All the staff get so involved with each and every child, being most supportive and caring.
It's the best thing we could of done for Sam. We haven't looked back.
Regards, Lorraine