Today, 23 September 2020, is recognized as International Day of Sign Languages. I would like to reflect and recognize the importance of sign languages in our province.
The United Nations recognizes that the International Day of Sign Languages is a unique opportunity to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all deaf people and other sign language users.
In support of the Western Cape Deaf community, the Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez said, “ We are committed to not only raising awareness about the challenges faced by Deaf persons but also to continue providing the necessary support to these individuals so that they are empowered and have an equal opportunity to participate in all spheres of life.”
Minister Fernandez added, “We wish to reiterate that we remain committed to establishing an inclusive society in which, no man or women is left behind.”
According to the World Federation of the Deaf, there are approximately 72 million deaf people worldwide with more than 80% of them living in developing countries. Collectively, there are more than 300 different forms of sign languages.
The World Federation of the Deaf also highlights that sign languages are fully-fledged natural languages, structurally distinct from the spoken languages. Sign languages are crucial means for an individual to express him or herself to connect with others and participate in all aspects of economic, social, cultural and political spheres.
The provincial Department of Social Development with the support of its Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) renders the following support for the Deaf persons living in the Province:
- Deaf awareness and outreach programmes;
- Early intervention programmes that include psycho-social support services to Deaf individuals and their family;
- Group therapy and life skills workshops;
- Socio-economic programmes to help facilitate job placements for Deaf individuals;
- Providing advocacy and language support (interpretation of policies and procedures for deaf people in courts);
- Education – training programmes for deaf persons on their socio-economic rights and responsibilities;
- Early detection of hearing disability programmes;
- Therapeutic and developmental services to deaf individuals;
- Deaf women support and empowerment programmes;
- Centre-based sign language training programmes for hearing parents and siblings of deaf children;
- Deaf elderly persons participating in senior citizen groups;
- Mentorship programmes and capacity building for Deaf individuals;
- Rehabilitative and counselling services to deafened and deafblind persons and;
- Provision of 24-hour residential care to residents inclusive of elements of care, protection, support, rehabilitation and stimulation of people within residential facilities.
“If we are to live in a society where we are BetterTogether, it is of crucial importance that the provision of integrated programmes and services to people with hearing impairments and their families/ caregivers are maintained.
As a Department, we remain committed to promoting disability mainstreaming to ensure that government services are accessible and inclusive,” concluded Minister Fernandez.
Any persons interested in finding out more information about the services we offer those people living with disabilities can make contact with our department by calling, 0800 220 250, to be directed to your nearest local DSD office.
