The Sunrise Sign Language Academy (SSLA) has stepped up efforts towards improving disability inclusion by equipping 40 young people with hearing impairments with sign language skills, a development which was hailed for bridging a communication gap which existed in the country.
SSLA coordinator Advocate Nigel Tahwa said that the introduction of sign language lessons was meant to upscale disability inclusion, participation and ensure that no-one is being left behind.
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Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at Mutapa SDA church in Gweru, Tahwa revealed that many people with hearing impairments have been facing a challenge to access basic services in the country due to lack of sign language interpretation services, a situation which has been perpetrating exclusion and marginalization of people with hearing impairments.
“There is a prevailing communication gap in families, churches and schools hence the need to train sign language. People with hearing impairments are neglected from home since many family members are not conversant in sign language to address needs of a family member who has a challenge.
“In churches they people with hearing impairments cannot follow church proceedings due to lack of sign language interpretation, in hospitals there is a shortage of medical staff who can communicate in sign language and this is hindering access to healthcare services for the group. So as SSLA we are bridging the communication gap through training people sign language and by making sure that no one is left behind in social, economic and political development,” said Tahwa.
Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries Ropafadzo Leonar Mbengo who graduated with a certificate in sign language expressed excitement to the milestone saying that her life was going to change as she would be able to communicate effectively with others.
“Sign language means a lot to me as we can see many people here in Zimbabwe do not know how to communicate with those with hearing impairments. Sign language is among the 16 official languages but it is not regarded as important hence making the group and those who are low of speech feel neglected.
“As for me learning sign language was an advantage, now l can communicate with them effectively through sign language,my life will never be the same again,” she said.
The National Disability Policy (NDP 2021) Section 3.13.11 encourages that live assistance and intermediaries, including guides,readers and professional sign language interpreters, must be provided in order to facilitate access to buildings and other facilities that are open to the public.
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