Edwin Moyo
Gweru –As the country joins the rest of the world in celebrating International Day of Sign Languages, Sunrise Sign Language Academy has implored the government and other stakeholders to adopt sign language in national frameworks.
This year’s commemorations are being held under the theme, “Sign Up for Sign Language Rights,” inviting global leaders and government officials to demonstrate their commitment in signing the message in their national sign languages.
Sign language is one of the country’s 16 official languages recognised in the Constitution.
Speaking in an interview with The Midweek Watch, Sunrise Sign Language Academy (SSLA) Coordinator, Nigel Tahwa said it was important to see the adoption of sign languages in national frameworks.
“As we approach the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), advocates stress the urgency of implementing its provisions at the national level. The CRPD recognizes sign languages as equal to spoken languages and mandates countries to promote their use and facilitate access to sign language education.
“The UN General Assembly designated September 23 to raise awareness of the critical role sign language plays in the realization of human rights for deaf individuals.
“The resolution highlights that early access to sign language and quality education is essential for the growth and development of deaf individuals, crucial for achieving global development goals.” he said.
He added that organisations like SSLA were playing a pivotal role in promoting use of sign languages.
“Organizations like the Sign Language and Advocacy (SSLA) are pivotal in promoting the use of sign language and supporting deaf rights. SSLA’s mantra, “Bridging the Communication Gap,” emphasizes their commitment to reducing barriers that hinder access to rights enshrined in the UNCRPD and national policies.
“As part of the celebration, SSLA calls on everyone to learn sign language and actively advocate for the rights of the deaf community. “By standing together, we can ensure that no one is left behind,” said a spokesperson from SSLA.
“As the international community comes together today, the message is clear: the rights of deaf individuals are human rights, and supporting sign language is a vital step towards inclusivity and equality.” Tahwa added.
Meanwhile, according to the World Federation of the Deaf, over 70 million deaf individuals worldwide utilize more than 300 different sign languages, with more than 80% residing in developing countries.
