In this episode, Jon sits down with Prakashni Prakash, a strong and independent advocate proudly representing Disabled + Deaf diversity.
🌟 Join us for an inspiring kōrero as Prakashni shares her journey, challenges, and triumphs, and discusses the importance of advocacy and empowerment for the Disabled and Deaf communities.
👉 Don’t miss it! Watch the episode now!
TRANSCRIPT:
Jon:
Kia ora, welcome to Kōrero With Jon! And I’m Jon, of course. I’m very excited to have a very special person here today who is a very determined advocate and hard worker. She works with I.Lead, so, she’s indeed a very special guest to interview here today. I’m going to handover to her and let her introduce herself.
Prakashni:
My name is Prakashni. I was born in Fiji. And then I moved to New Zealand and I grew up at the deaf school. I’ve been involved in advocacy for a long time now.
Jon:
That’s lovely! What do you do for work?
Prakashni:
I’m in the I.Lead’s committee, working with different disabled people – like Māori people, blind people, all sorts! It’s a very supportive group, I love it. It’s nice to be around not just one type of person, but to be involved in such a diverse group.
Jon:
So, in I.Lead, are you treated equally?
Prakashni:
Absolutely. Everybody is treated equally and they accept that I use NZ Relay, NZSL interpreters to be able to understand them. So, both hearing and deaf in the committee have full access.
Jon:
Oh, that’s fantastic that you’re involved in that, you’re all committed to equality and full access. I want you to ask you another question. Can your family sign?
Prakashni:
Oh, yes. My mum can sign, my father can sign a little.
Jon:
So, the communication with your family is okay?
Prakashni:
Yes. But it’s not fully NZSL, we have different signs we use. It’s mostly my mum that can sign.
Jon:
You have your own “home signs”, “home language”?
Prakashni:
Yes!
Jon:
Yeah, that is quite common!
Prakashni:
Yeah, same with me growing up at home vwith my whānau.
Jon:
Same here. We use different languages too, and it’s much more simple.
Prakashni:
That’s good, to still be able to communicate.
Jon:
What about I.Lead? Can they sign?
Prakashni:
We use NZ Relay quite a lot. But they do know signs like HELLO, HOW ARE YOU?, MORNING, little bits like that. They do have some Deaf awareness, so that’s good. I support with their Deaf awareness as a role model. I have made an impact on the team as a Deaf role model.
Jon:
It’s extraordinary to be involved like that. I see you as a very unique person, compared to other Deaf people, there’s no one like you, right? You’re a woman, you’re determined, a strong and very involved advocate. You stand up and say “I can do it just like anyone else!” For me, that’s inspirational, I want to respect and acknowledge you for that. You’re such a special person, that’s why I wanted to invite you for an interview. Other Deaf people can wait.
Prakashni:
There isn’t many Deaf people like me with cerebral palsy. I like to travel but I have barriers in the Deaf community, I like to be able to involved in both hearing and Deaf worlds and explore different things. I can be involved with both hearing and Deaf people.
Jon:
That’s really worthwhile for you to be able to navigate both of those worlds, it’s being bicultural. Right? You’re a very valuable person. I think that you are a very skilled person, compared to my skills! Keep it up! Other people, Deaf or hearing, who have similar experiences as you, you can be a role model and inspiration for them, as you continue with your advocacy.
Prakashni:
We need to give the Deaf community time to grow great role models, but they have also been very supportive of me.
Jon:
That’s really great, it’s great to have support. Who are your supporters?
Prakashni:
Well, some of those people are hearing, like my friends, and the Deaf community.
Jon:
That’s fantastic. I saw on Facebook recently that you went to Auckland or Wellington for some advocacy work. Can you tell us more about it?
Prakashni:
It was a youth organisation. We talked about the need to accept the Deaf community, to try to support people and advocate for people. I was part of the I.Lead group that went there. And I flew in a plane for the first time! I was nervous but I became more confident. I had interpreters with me for 2 full days. I was so tired!
Jon:
Yeah, I bet it was tiring! 2 full days of just taking in everything?
Prakashni:
It was a conference about advocacy and it had a big impact on me. It included topics like Deaf people, education, jobs, housing.
Jon:
So, how did you access the conference?
Prakashni:
I had interpreters. There was a lot of people there from the Government, and all sorts of other people too.
Jon:
It’s great to have full access and information with interpreters there, so you don’t miss out on anything.
Prakashni:
There were notetakers as well.
Jon:
It was nice that you were able to be fully involved on an equal basis, not like receiving only 30% of limited information, like meh, thank you?
Prakashni:
It was amazing for me, it definitely had an impact on me. I also think it was the first time they invited Deaf people. So, yeah, it was wonderful being in the I.Lead team because it really showed ourselves that we can do anything. It was a real confidence boost to us. It was incredible to experience some Māori culture as well. For example, learning more te reo Māori and helping others with that too.
Jon:
Why do you think that about Māori?
Prakashni:
I have a friend there who’s Māori and an interpreter, we helped with translating some waiata.
Jon:
Oh, that’s lovely. It helped you to feel more able to be more confident?
Prakashni:
I gave advice on how to interact with the Deaf community.
Jon:
That’s really fantastic. What are your hopes, dreams and aspirations for your future?
Prakashni:
Later in life, I really hope to achieve… I want to travel!
Jon:
Oh, you want to travel? Where would you like to travel to?
Prakashni:
I’d love to see Deaf talent in Los Angeles, and visit Gallaudet University.
Jon:
Wow! I think you’ll get there before me, as I haven’t visited Gallaudet yet.
Prakashni:
Can’t wait!
Jon:
I have been to United States of America, just not specifically Gallaudet University.
Prakashni:
Yeah, you should absolutely go for it! At the moment, I’m just taking steps to gain my confidence.
Jon:
Yeah, it’s important to do things that helps build confidence.
Prakashni:
I’ve been, you know, doing this advocacy for a few years. I’ve also been accepted at university. I will continue to work through my plans.
Jon:
So, what are you doing at university? What are the subjects?
Prakashni:
I’m studying English. I really want to build up my confidence in English.
Jon:
That will happen soon! Soon? You want to be on an equal basis with everyone else?
Prakashni:
Yes, Deaf or hearing, it doesn’t matter.
Jon:
I saw that you got a certificate from AUT, something to do with NZSL? Can you tell us a bit more about that?
Prakashni:
Yeah, it was unfortunate because I didn’t really have the support I needed. I tried and tried.
Jon:
But you got the certificate?
Prakashni:
Yes! I know I can do it.
Jon:
You can be independent, right? You didn’t need that much support?
Prakashni:
Yeah, I can be independent and try my best.
Jon:
That’s awesome and really valuable. That’s great that you can advocate for yourself.
Prakashni:
You know, I want to show people that I can do things. That I can go on my own pace, my plans, my future. It shouldn’t matter if I’m Deaf or not. Deaf people can do things independently. Some staff in that organisation were wrong. It’s my choice.
Jon:
How did your family feel about your achievements? That you got your certificate and you’re involved in I.Lead?
Prakashni:
They’re proud of me.
Jon:
That’s so beautiful! I believe that your parents are very proud of you, their special daughter, and the bond you share.
Prakashni:
Like my mum, she slowly realised that Deaf people can be independent.
Jon:
That’s true, that can be a normal experience for parents, they’re not always aware that Deaf people can be independent, it can be a new experience for them. As time goes on, they realise that we can be independent!
Prakashni:
Then they’re proud of what we can do. I’m hoping that next year, I’ll be involved in photography in disabled fashion modeling.
Jon:
You want to be a model?
Prakashni:
Hopefully next year!
Jon:
Go for it! Go for your dreams and goals. Don’t let anyone stop you.
Prakashni:
There’s a disability modelling photography agency that has different kinds of people, different ethnicities, blind people, Māori etc, for fashion and clothes modelling.
Jon:
That’s such a beatiful and amazing goal! Keep going with your goals! What’s your favorite sign?
Prakashni:
Ahhh… Umm. I-LOVE-YOU.
Jon:
Everyone I have interviewed said the same thing, that the I-LOVE-YOU sign is their favourite! Why is that your favorite sign?
Prakashni:
Because I love my friends and the people around me.
Jon:
Is there a person you look up to? Someone who inspires you?
Prakashni:
It’s a Deaf person. Their name is Pam Croskey. When I was little at Kelston Primary School, she really supported me with learning and making friends.
Jon:
I hear that she’s retiring, right? It’s a bummer! She’s such a valuable person and you have great memories of her and she had an impact on your life. What do you like to do for fun?
Prakashni:
I like hanging out with my friends, Deaf friends, going out to the Deaf Club, do some activities, that kinda thing.
Jon:
You like being involved in activities?
Prakashni:
Yeah, like with Deaf youth.
Jon:
The Deaf youth group? That’s great! That’s really nice to be involved in something.
Prakashni:
They’re really supportive of me.
Jon:
Definitely! They must support you, because if not, I will sue them! What’s a big challenge or barrier you wish you could remove?
Prakashni:
The challenge I’m determined to change is… the system. Because it stops me from being able to achieve things I know I can. There are different barriers and we’re not all the same. And we need to remove those barriers so we can achieve equality. I want to get a job in the future, and I believe that I can do that.
Jon:
Yeah, I saw a video on You Tube, I think I saw a video of you in your wheelchair, a bus came but there were no ramps, you showed your frustration.
Prakashni:
Yes! That can be very hard, like difficulty with communication, no ramps, or if there’s not enough space for my wheelchair to go through, it’s so small, makes it difficult. Or if there’s no ramp on the steps, Also, staff awareness on the buses. Sometimes the spaces are so small, the bigger buses are so much better.
Jon:
It’s not easy.
Prakashni:
A lot of buses don’t have enough space. Some bigger buses have spaces for 2 wheelchairs. It’s hard. Sometimes taxis are better. Sometimes taxis are the problem. Getting the train is so much easier.
Jon:
Yeah, trains have good ramps, easy to get on. Bus staff need to work on their awareness on disability.
Prakashni:
Absolutely. It’s good that you have spoken up.
Jon:
So, when you’re not working and need to relax, what do you do to switch off? What are your hobbies and interests?
Prakashni:
Art.
Jon:
Oh wow! I didn’t know that! Do you keep your art? Where is your art? At home?
Prakashni:
Yes, it’s at home. I made them in Deaf courses. They’re so bright!
Jon:
What art do you like to make? Flowers?
Prakashni:
Yes, flowers! Hopefully next year, I’ll be back at work.
Jon:
Art is like your therapy, right? Keeps you strong.
Prakashni:
That’s nice.
Jon:
I think you’re better at it than me, my art is not very good. What colours do you like to use in your art?
Prakashni:
Pink and purple.
Jon:
Does that mean you like using strong and bold colours?
Prakashni:
No, I like using a variety of colours.
Jon:
Do you have an animal?
Prakashni:
Yes, I do. I have a pet dog!
Jon:
Is it a service dog? Like a hearing or guide dog?
Prakashni:
No, it’s a normal pet dog.
Jon:
Ahh, so it’s a normal dog! What’s the dog’s name?
Prakashni:
My dog’s name is Sreffah.
Jon:
Is the dog small or big?
Prakashni:
It’s small and cute!
Jon:
I love your facial expression when you say it’s small. You’re much better at signing than I am, I think you’ll replace me. Do you have any advice for the Deaf community?
Prakashni:
The Deaf community can achieve anything we set our minds to, as well as being involved in different organisations. You can be independent, with support from friends and family. You can be determined and use your strength. You can work, do anything, learn as you go. Build your confidence!
Jon:
Thank you for your wonderful advice. Thank you so much for being here with me! Now, it’s time to wrap up. Thank you, and I hope you enjoy this kōrero with Prakashni, she’s an incredible and determined advocate. I want to acknowledge her amazing mahi. I hope you have enjoyed watching this, that it has helped you learn something. Ngā mihi for watching. Bye!