Disability Agency Empowers Service Providers Through Sign Language Training

To bridge communication gaps and create a more inclusive society for hearing-impaired individuals, the Bauchi State Agency for Persons with Disabilities conducted a transformative four-day training on Sign Language interpretation.

This innovative initiative brought together 35 participants representing Civil Society Organizations, RUWASA, and the State Ministries of Health and Education. Importantly, each of the 20 local government areas in Bauchi State was represented by a Desk Officer, ensuring the training’s impact reached grassroots levels.

Hearing-impaired individuals in Bauchi State often encounter severe challenges when accessing vital services like healthcare and education. Miscommunication and lack of understanding frequently lead to their exclusion from essential interventions. The training aimed to change this narrative by equipping service providers with the skills needed to bridge these gaps.

Participants expressed deep appreciation for the program and pledged to share their knowledge. Mr. Enock Nathan, a Desk Officer, revealed how the training introduced him to Sign Language basics and inspired him to champion inclusive service delivery in his community.

Highlighting the healthcare perspective, Naja Hamza from the Ministry of Health explained that communication barriers often compromise the treatment of hearing-impaired patients. She described the training as an invaluable step toward improving healthcare access and outcomes for this marginalized group.

Other participants, including Mukhtar Umar and Muhammad Isah, noted the program’s life-changing potential, emphasizing how it had broadened their understanding of inclusivity and equipped them to reduce the exclusion of hearing-impaired individuals in their respective sectors.

Professor Abu Egwa Ozegya, the lead resource person, lauded the participants’ enthusiasm and grasp of Sign Language fundamentals. He expressed confidence in their ability to integrate the knowledge into their day-to-day activities, fostering meaningful change.

Rabi Ekele, USAID State2State Team Lead, described the training as a landmark effort toward breaking down communication barriers and advancing social inclusion. She commended the Agency for addressing issues that had long prevented hearing-impaired individuals from accessing essential services.

To ensure the long-term success of this initiative, the Executive Secretary of the Bauchi State Agency for Persons with Disabilities pledged to organize quarterly refresher courses. He reiterated the Agency’s unwavering commitment to building the capacity of service providers and promoting continuous learning for improved service delivery across the state.

This training marks a significant step forward in creating an inclusive environment for hearing-impaired individuals in Bauchi State, offering hope for better access to healthcare, education, and other essential services.

Join Inclusive News Network WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You. ????

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBorIa0VycAngqbEh13