Upcoming webcast - New Zealand Sign Language Bill

I've not really heard much of what this new Sign Language Bill is about, but I just saw a post from Richard Naylor regarding the upcoming webcast streams he'll be doing:

There will be a dual webcast of 5 streams each on Tuesday 22 June. This will be between approximately 2pm and 5pm. The venue will be Parliament's debating chamber for the first reading of the NZ Sign Language Bill. The dual webcast features 2 distinct webcasts. One webcast will be of the MPs debate, the other will be of the Sign Language Interpreters, interpreting the debate. Both webcasts will carry audio of the debate. Traffic volumes are not expected to be high, but ISP Help Desks may receive calls for assistance from hearing impaired clients. There is also significant international interest in the issue. After the event, the material will be available for later viewing. rich

What I find interesting here, is not only the speakers are being webcast, but the signers are as well - it's an often neglected area of presentations. I think the only place I've seen signers actively translate presentations ( as a rule, rather than exception/special occasion ) was at Auckland City Church where I attended before returning to Christian Life Center. I remember the Salvation Army Napier Corp were I grew up had a special hearing aid loop broadcast ( although I'm not sure how that worked, weather hearing aids also have a special frequency they listen on to pickup broadcasts ), but outside of these organisations I've not seen much support in the way of the deaf community - although I admit to not really having looked for it. The sign language bill webcasts will be available at http://www.r2.co.nz/200405x1.

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