The Deaf community representative's role is to ensure that the perspective of the parents, caregivers and whanau of the community that they represent is considered within the wider context of the KDEC BOT. They ensure that they are given a voice in decisions that affect parents in this area, and that information about decisions made at Board meetings is made available to this group.  Chris worked for several years in Wellington when he left school before travelling overseas.  Working in the UK for the Friends of the Young Deaf programme gave him the opportunity to gain a huge amount of experience. Upon returning to NZ, he worked for D.A.N.Z. as part of a team to establish this programme here.  Chris worked there as the youth Coordinator and trainer for 7 years before moving to the Deaf Mental Health service.  He is currently the account manager for the Sprint and NZ Relay Service.