Values & Beliefs
The Totara Village residential programme is based on the following fundamental values and beliefs about Deaf and Hearing Impaired students living in the Cottages.
We believe:
- That the physical and emotional well being of the students in our care is our primary concern and therefore it is our responsibility to make every effort to ensure their safety.
- That the students must be cared for in a safe, predictable and nurturing environment that recognises individual strengths, abilities and differences and therefore we will provide an environment that supports and encourages children/youth to develop to their fullest potential.
- That the key to the successful development of Deaf and Hearing Impaired students is to work in close co-operation with their families and therefore families will be actively encouraged to work closely with us.
- That the students' primary relationship with their families must always be respected and maintained and therefore families must be informed and involved in decisions about their children.
- That the daily routines and expectations in the Village should be as close as possible to that of a family home.
- That Deaf and Hearing Impaired must be understood as a cultural and linguistic minority and therefore, the development of New Zealand Sign Language and their identity as Deaf people is very important.
- That students must always be treated with dignity and respect.
- That students have the right to privacy.
- That every student has the right to have their opinions heard and to be included when decisions are being made affecting their life.
- That students have the right to appropriate health care services
- That every students has the right to receive a quality educational programme that meets their individual needs.
- The Deaf and Hearing Impaired students should have the same access to programmes and activities in the community as do hearing students.