by Adewale Adeyanju (INN), Lagos
The Sign Language Users making up the Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Deaf and Speech disability, the hard -of-hearing, deaf and other physical disabilities as well as Social service providers and the sign language interpreters have been summoned to work in collaboration so as to make things easier for the Community as a whole and the larger society in general.
This clarion call was made at the Signers Hangout 1.0 held penultimate weekend at Ikeja-Lagos. The event was hosted by Observer Signs Initiative.
Mr. James Samuel, the State Chairman, Association of Sign Language Interpreters in Nigeria (ASLIN) Lagos State Chapter urged sign language users to strive to be competitive and help to make impacts on Deaf people’s lives as a change maker.
According to him, “Our ultimate desire as sign language interpreters, is to assist the deaf to be successful in all ramifications, and we need to work collaboratively to move this community forward. We should do our part in advocacy efforts and in promotion of deaf causes and sign language recognition as much as we can despite challenges we may face, our efforts are significant and will make impacts.”
In her presentation, Bernice Adeleke, a doctoral student in Bilingual Education at Gallaudet University in Washington, DC, presented on the topic: “Nigerian Sign Language, How Visual?”. Her presentation explored the various terms used to refer to sign languages in Nigeria and emphasized that Nigerian Sign Language (NSL) is a visual language offering significant benefits for deaf learners. Despite these advantages, NSL is less favored in Nigeria’s formal education system compared to Sign Exact English (SEE), which is not an independent language.
Mr James Ameho also spoke about “Building a community that signs.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Founder of Observer Signs Initiative – Olaoluwa Bayonle Emmanuel said he is so excited to see this long-time dream come to fruition with the success of Signers Hangout 1.0.
“It has always been my dream to bring signers together, while bridging the communication gap between the deaf and hearing communities, and fostering a community fluent in sign language. This event serves as the culmination of our 30-Day Sign Language Challenge, held every May for over three years, engaging signers from around the world.”
Continuing, he stressed “as we advocate for inclusion and promote Nigerian Sign Language specifically, we felt it was an opportune moment to raise awareness and strengthen our community’s efforts. Signers Hangout 1.0 aims not only to advocate but to create a relaxed environment where signers could learn, unlearn, and relearn.
Bayonle appreciated everyone who supported the event.
Some participants at the event who expressed their delights, shower praises on Founder of Observer Signs Initiative for organizing the event as well as the event venue for being a top notch.
Miss Deborah Ayokunnu Duduyemi: “I have been inspired to up my signing skills as consistency is not enough without excellence. I learnt that the Deaf community is a garden that I have to water with my skills by giving back to the community to facilitate positive development. I expect that in the nearest future we will be able to pull off Big Brother Naija standard sign language version which will put the Deaf community in a greater space in Nigeria. I also hope that major international brands notice the event and sponsor it!”
Mrs. Funmi Ogunro, Founder of Friends of the Deaf Foundation (FDF) said “The Signers Hangout was really an impactful event and such should be encouraged. It gives room for learning, bonding and networking amongst sign language users, especially those who are new in the Deaf community. I was able to meet physically some of my past students. It was a good reunion.”
High point of the event was the advocacy campaign organised by the initiative to sensitize the community about inclusion. Some of the placards had inscription such as “True inclusion means accessible communication for all”, “provide sign language interpreters at every public institution, hospitals, court and more”, “I am proud to be sign language advocate” etc.