Being Deaf Aware is an Aspect of Inclusion.

“International Deaf Awareness Week means a lot to me because it raises awareness throughout the world that deaf people are just as important as everyone else.” It also emphasizes a number of things that we deserve, such as better health and education services, as well as human rights to be respected, such as providing sign language interpretation services in court. We Deaf people are also humble because we have been taught to communicate in writing and sign language. The world would be a better place for all of us if communities could learn sign language and use it to communicate, or if they could provide an interpreter wherever they meet a deaf person.” – Deo Imaligant, Reach a Hand Uganda Peer Educator.

Many people come across a deaf person or a signer and find themselves wishing they knew a few basic signs. Deaf people face and experience the world in ways that we could never imagine. People with hearing impairments have learned to understand words when others speak, necessitating the need for people with hearing abilities to understand and learn basic language in order to communicate effectively.

Deaf people are just as capable and powerful as everyone else. The world would be a better place for us if our communities could use sign language to communicate or provide interpreters in public places and institutions. We frequently find ourselves in situations where we will have repeated encounters with a deaf person; this is an encouragement to learn more signs so that we can carry on a longer conversation if there is no sign language interpreter present. As we celebrated International Deaf Awareness Week, Reach a Hand Uganda staff took the opportunity to wish the rest of the world a Happy Deaf Awareness Week in basic sign language.

We believe that people with hearing impairments can make a difference in their communities if they are given the proper support and opportunities to demonstrate their abilities. We must keep in mind that basic sign language affects us all and is an aspect of inclusion. Take the initiative to learn something simple, and together we can make the world a better place for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Written by Kiwumulo Charity.