Deaf community in Nigeria and all over the world celebrates International Week of the Deaf annually on 21-27, September, a week long celebration to mark the week.
Amidst the celebration, the community celebrates international day of sign language on every 23rd of September.
In commemoration of both celebrations, Inclusive News Network, INN spoke with a few individuals in the community on what they want Nigerian government and Nigerians to do for them.
In common responses the group urged Nigerian government to adopt sign language as National language and wants adoption of sign language as a subject in schools.
Read their responses below:
Dr. Ijeoma Nnodim, Paediatrician and founder, Isonye Foundation for Inclusive Healthcare in her response to the interview said, “As the world marks the International day of sign language, my wish is that sign language will be taught as a compulsory subject in primary schools. This will go a long way in bridging the gap between the deaf and those that hear.”
Mr Mohammed Olalekan, a researcher and tutor and the chairman of Joint National association of persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Ogun State chapter, in his response said “I will advise intense advocacy for full inclusion of both indigenois signed languages and Sign Exact Language in the education of deaf.
“There should be more emphasis on the difference so that the Deaf child or children will be able to distinguish the two and avoid grammatical blunder.
“Likewise, early introduction of signed language and intervention at the preschool leave is indispensable. Our educational system should take cognizant of that language acquision promote cognitive development.
“There is also need to have a data on level of hearing loss of the concerned deaf so as to determine the educational programme to be designed for such an individual.
“Lastly, the Deaf community has a role to play in the struggle to break the barrier of marginalization, discrimination and negative attitudinal barrier that they are second class citizen. We should let the world know that we are equal to the task. Deafness is not a disease and inability. It’s just a circumstances that can be overcome through adequate inclusion through our God given designed language and culture.”
Deaconess Adedoyin Beyioku-Alase, popularly known as Mama Deaf, who holds the position of National President of Deaf Women Association of Nigeria (DWAN), in an interview said “Sign language is the language of the Deaf and it is a way of bridging the gap between the Deaf and the society.
“I will like Sign language to be adopted as a National language and make it compulsory subject in schools.”
Temitope Olaniyi, who is the National President, Deaf Teachers Association of Nigeria (DTAN) and a teacher at State of Osun Secondary School for Persons with Special Needs, Osogbo, explained that “Sign language should be recognised as one of the official languages in the country.”
“Sign language should be taught in both primary and secondary schools across the country. This is the best way to integrate the Deaf and Hard of Hearing fully into the society.”
“The government deserves commendation for the efforts to ensure that Deaf people are carried along in Covid-19 pandemic report by providing sign language interpreter.
“Likewise, sign language interpreter is needed in during @9pm News Network, hospitals etc”
Also speaking, Haruna Muhammad Tsafe, a Public Policy Analysis and International Relations expert having worked with various MDAs in the area of Administration/Policy issues called for equal access to information for the Deaf thereby recognizing Sign language fully as a linguistic identity for the Deaf persons inline with UNCRPD and Nigeria Disability Act.
Tsafe, who is currently aspiring for the post of NNAD National Vice President in the forthcoming National Convention of the Association said, “by recognizing Sign Language there is need to adopt Sign Language as a compulsory subjects within our 6-3-3 education curriculum by concerned Govt agencies thru National Policy on Education and legislative framework in implementing the domestication of Nigerian Sign Language.”