Activists Advocate Official Recognition For Sign Language
By Vicky Effiong
Activists within the humanitarian space have renewed calls for the official recognition of sign language as a lingua franca by government, noting that such gesture will accord those with hearing and speech losses a sense of belonging.
The stakeholders made the appeal in Calabar during a 5-day training on Nigerian Sign Language (NSL) as promotional tool for Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) organized by Girls' Power Initiative (GPI) under the WeLead Project with support from Hivos.
In his address, Chairman of the Cross River Association of the Deaf, Willie Martins posited that"Sign language is a vital tool for communication, not just for members of the deaf community, but for everyone.
"By learning sign language, we can bridge the gap between persons with hearing impairments and the society, promoting inclusivity and equality."
Martins commended GPI Calabar Center for creating a Nigerian glossary on sign language to support and improve access to SRHR, stressing that the development will mitigate Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) by enabling service providers attend adequately to those with hearing impairments.
" This resource will go a long way in facilitating effective communication and addressing the unique needs of the deaf community."
In her remarks, the Head of Programmes at GPI Calabar and Project Manager of the WeLead Project, Ndodeye Bassey-Obongha emphasized the importance of inclusivity in SRHR awareness and advocacy.
In her words,"The Glossary was born out of the principles of inclusion, which states emphatically: Leave no one behind, as well as equality and human rights which are the core values and focal points of the WeLead Project,"
She explained "By learning sign language, we can break barriers and ensure that everyone especially young women have access to vital SRHR information and services."
Also speaking, Chairperson of the Association of Sign Language Interpreters, CRS Chapter, Dr Martino Ntino , highlighted the critical role that sign language plays in promoting SRHR awareness and advocacy within the deaf community.
She asserted that"Training service providers on sign language is essential for creating a more inclusive society.
By doing so, we can ensure that persons with hearing or speech impairments have equal access to information, services, and justice."
Gender desk officer, Cross River state Command of the Nigeria Police,CSP Philomina Modor revealed that learning sign language has eliminated misconceptions and misrepresentation of facts hitherto existing while handling issues involving persons with speech or hearing impediments.
"I am excited to have acquired basic rudimentary knowledge to enable me communicate more effectively with the deaf community. I strongly recommend that sign language be included in the Police training manual used in the Police training colleges while basic sign language classes should be organized for police officers to enable us serve the deaf community better thereby enhancing access to justice for all"
Participants who shared their thoughts maintained that introducing sign language into Nigerian primary and secondary schools curriculum will move the country closer to creating a more inclusive society, where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive irrespective of any impairment.
