Learning sign language is one of the spinoffs student Debbie Morrison enjoyed during the practical experience element of her University of Waikato Bachelor of Social Work placement at Deaf Aotearoa in Tauranga.

University of Waikato Bachelor of Social Work student Debbie Morrison (left) ‘signs' the word butterfly – which symbolises freedom of communication – with placement supervisor Maureen Baker, service coordinator of Deaf Aotearoa.

'I've learnt a lot about the challenges deaf people face, especially relating to communication,” says Debbie.

'Younger people generally know how to sign, but that's not necessarily the case with older people who weren't allowed to use or learn sign language when they were at school.”

She was one of 12 students in their third and fourth years of study who took part in placements this year.

Bachelor of Social Work programme coordinator Trish Hanlen says the students spent up to three months working in practical environments including Tauranga Hospital, Women's Refuge, Deaf Aotearoa, Maori social services and community centres.

'It's been a real hands-on, valuable experience for our students and we are grateful for the fantastic support from our local agencies,” says Trish.

Last month the Bachelor of Social Work programme celebrated the completion of this first round of placements with a lunch for student supervisors and students.

While the programme only began two years ago, it has included graduates who completed the two-year Diploma in Social Practice from the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic. Early next year, the university will have its first few graduates from the new programme.

'It's very exciting to have nearly reached this point and as our programme continues to grow in popularity, we want to continue to foster links with the community.”

She says the four-year degree is unique to the Bay of Plenty.

'Practitioners require a three-year degree to become registered, but we wanted to offer a programme that would also meet international standards of social work education as well as being relevant to our region.

'We consult regularly with the social work profession here and in developing the programme took into account Tauranga's aging population and included relevant topics, such as elder abuse.”

Debbie, who will graduate in May following completion of a summer school paper in January, is looking forward to using her skills and experience to help people in the community.

While based at Deaf Aotearoa she helped clients find information and resources, and attended appointments with staff and clients to help out with interpreting.

'I'm very keen to work with elderly people once I graduate but would like to continue learning sign language if the opportunity arose.”