Deaf awareness week to focus on education, access

Under the theme “Deaf Education Access Future” (DEAF), the sixth annual Deaf Awareness Week will be observed from Sunday, September 26, 2011 to Saturday October 1 2011.

According to a press release issued by the Support Group for Deaf Persons (SGDP), this year’s theme was chosen to highlight important issues faced by the deaf, such as having better access to employment, education and sports facilities.

Among the activities planned are interactive workshops and public outreaches across the country, which are aimed at sensitising members of the public about the use of sign language, the use of interpreters, and the identification of deafness in children at an early age.

Another workshop will also be held with businesses that have deaf persons in their employ, or are willing to employ persons with this disability.

It will be geared to obtain recommendations, so that interested businesses may develop partnerships with special education schools.

In this way, it is estimated that assistance can be given in equipping these schools with the needed materials, so that their students are able to find gainful employment after leaving school.