Brenda M. Uji
20 May 2011
In Abuja, there are an estimated 3,000 deaf people, daily facing the challenges of living in an environment where no one can hear them, and they cannot hear others speak verbally.
However, apart from their speech and hearing impairments, they are absolutely normal, intelligent and rational human beings. Many of them are employed in public service, while others are self-employed. For instance, one of the members of the Abuja Association of the Deaf (AAD), Ajakaiye Mohammed, is a carpenter. According to him, he communicates with his customers through writing, as with every other person who does not sign, that is, speak through sign language.
For these people, their biggest problem is not pity or charity. Their biggest problem is the issue of human rights. Lucy Upah, an AAD member, who is a graduate of Theatre Arts and leader of the AAD Women’s Wing, said “special rights demanded for the deaf are accessibility to information and communication through professional sign language instructors in all public places like courts, airports, media houses and hospitals; right to participate in cultural, recreational and sporting activities through sign language to ensure deaf are carried along; and the right to send applications in sign language.”
When these important rights are met, then the government will be on track towards ensuring that the deaf are given equal opportunity to live full lives.
Associations such as the AAD help deaf people face their day to day challenges, solve their problems and protect their rights in the society.
AllAfrica – All the Time
Continued here:
Abuja’s Deaf in Need of a Voice