IMPLEMENT INCLUSION POLICY ON SIGN LANGUAGES IN DISABILITY RIGHT LAW —SIGN INTERPRETER BEGS GOVT
REPORTER: UJU UDUEZUE
Some sign language interpreters in Awka advocate more sign language interpreters in both public and private establishments as well as the media to give a sense of belonging to the deaf and dumb in the society.
They made the call as Nigeria joined the rest of the world to commemorate Internationally Day of Sign Languages.
According to a sign language interpreter, Miss Chinwendu Aniekwe of Disability Right Commission and Joint Association of Persons with Disability, the deaf people just like every other person are eager to know the happenings around them.
Miss Aniekwe stressed that if more sign language interpreters are trained and employed in all sectors, it would help bridge the gap between them and members of the public.
She called for the full implementation of inclusion policy on sign languages contained in the Disability Right Law to improve the well being of deaf people.
Miss Aniekwe however expressed concern about the way some parents who have deaf and dump children go from one church to another for healing instead of taking them to a school for people with special needs where they would get the necessary knowledge that would prepare them for future endeavours.
Another sign language interpreter, Mr. Emmanuel Aniemena, who told Radio Nigeria that sign language is a means of communication with deaf community, noted that with the priotization of inclusiveness of Sign Language in the society, people would see the ability in deaf persons.
Mr. Aniemena clarified that deafness is not a curse nor demonic attack as as insinuated by some people who have failed to come to terms with realities of life.
He urged the deaf and people with different forms of disabilities to look beyond their present condition and strive towards achieving their set goals in life.
The Chairman, Association of Deaf in Anambra State, Comrade Amobichukwu Nwagwu,
commended the past administration, which through various intervention programmes and support, positively affected the lives of the disability community in the state.
He appealed to the Anambra State Government and private organizations to assist the deaf by ensuring unimpeded access to education, employment, social and healthcare services.
He equally appealed that they be equipped with the needed skills that would help them contribute their quota in the country’s development.
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed September 23 annually as the International Day of Sign Languages in order to raise awareness of its importance for the
full realization of the human rights of people who are deaf.
Theme for the 2022 International Sign Language Day is “Building Inclusive Communities for all.”
EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU
