KSDC unveils bold resolutions to advance rights and accessibility for deaf community

The Kenya Society for Deaf Children (KSDC) unveils a comprehensive roadmap aimed at improving the rights, accessibility, and opportunities for Deaf individuals in Kenya. The conference, which brought together stakeholders from across Africa, addressed critical issues affecting the Deaf community and proposed actionable solutions.

The KSDC highlighted several resolutions aimed at fostering inclusivity and ensuring equal opportunities for the Deaf community. Speaking at a press confress, it’s Chief Executive Officer Rhoda Kabiti emphasized the need for accessible and affordable or free sign Language interpretation services in both public and private sectors. This, they said, should be enshrined in law through the expeditious passing of the People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) Bill 2023, currently pending in Parliament.

To promote inclusivity, the society called for the mandatory employment of qualified Deaf persons across all government branches. Additionally, the government was urged to employ Sign Language interpreters to support Deaf employees in these roles, ensuring their full participation in decision-making processes.

The conference proposed mandatory hearing screenings for all newborns to enable early detection and intervention. “This practice is standard in many Western countries and can significantly reduce the prevalence of hearing impairments through early treatments like cochlear implants,” Kabiti stated

Participants criticized the current system requiring repeated testing for irreversible deafness, which places unnecessary financial burdens on families. They recommended a single, comprehensive test to access government services.

To improve educational outcomes, KSDC called for increased recruitment and training of Deaf teachers, particularly in primary schools. The conference stressed that all teachers working with Deaf students should learn Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) to enhance communication and learning.

Moreover they urge government and private sector to invest in technologies that improve the quality of life for Deaf individuals. These include assistive devices and educational tools for students at all levels.

KSDC advocated for greater collaboration among Deaf communities across Africa to share knowledge and best practices, highlighting successful models like those in South Africa and Nigeria.

The society also proposed removing barriers that force Deaf students to learn languages such as Kiswahili or English, which are not accessible to them. Instead, KSL should be the primary medium of instruction.

Acknowledging the mental health challenges faced by the Deaf community, KSDC called for specialized counseling services tailored to their needs. These services would address issues such as assault, gender-based violence, and family abuse, which often go unreported due to communication barriers.

The KSCD boss urged the government to support the Deaf community through policy and funding. “Deaf individuals should not have to bear the cost of carrying interpreters. Free access to interpretation services is essential for inclusivity,” she said. Kabiti also emphasized the importance of achieving the 5 percent employment quota for persons with disabilities in government ministries, noting the underrepresentation of Deaf individuals in these roles.

The KSDC also appealed for increased funding for special schools and equitable resource allocation between primary and secondary institutions catering to Deaf students. Additionally, they called for community-wide efforts to teach KSL, starting from early childhood through to higher education and even in workplaces.

The Deafness Conference 2024 was lauded as a groundbreaking event, the first of its kind in Africa. Delegates resolved to continue advocating for the rights of Deaf individuals until full inclusivity is achieved. “Our vision is a Kenya where every Deaf person enjoys the same rights and opportunities as everyone else,” Kabiti added

As the nation awaits Parliament’s decision on the PLWDs Bill 2023, the resolutions from this conference set a bold agenda for transforming the lives of Deaf individuals in Kenya.