KENYA SOCIETY FOR DEAF CHILDREN CALLS FOR BOLD ACTION TO ADVANCE RIGHTS Of DEAF INDIVIDUALS

BY VICTORIA MOVINE 

Rhoda Kabiti, CEO KSDC during the briefing at the Deafness Conference 2024, Nairobi.

The Kenya Society for Deaf Children (KSDC) has today concluded its three-day Deafness Conference 2024 at Weston Hotel in Nairobi with a set of ambitious resolutions aimed at advancing the rights, accessibility, and opportunities for Deaf individuals across Kenya.

In a press statement delivered today by Rhoda Kabiti —the CEO KSDC at the close of the conference, KSDC outlined critical steps necessary to ensure the inclusion and empowerment of Deaf individuals in the country. Among the key resolutions, the organization emphasized the importance of equitable access to services, education, employment, and resources for the Deaf community.

Equitable Access to Sign Language Interpretation

KSDC called for the mandatory provision of accurate, affordable, or free Sign Language interpretation services in both the public and private sectors. The organization urged the Kenyan Parliament to pass the People Living with Disabilities Bill (PLWDs) 2023, making Sign Language interpretation a legal obligation for service providers.

Employment of Qualified Deaf Individuals in Government

KSDC highlighted the need for more Deaf individuals in government positions across all branches – judiciary, executive, and legislative. The society stressed that their inclusion in decision-making processes would promote equal representation and better accessibility to government services for all citizens.

Neonatal Deafness Screening

The conference also called for the mandatory screening of all newborns for neonatal deafness, ensuring early detection and timely intervention. KSDC further pushed for the discontinuation of re-testing practices for irreversible deafness, advocating for streamlined testing to reduce unnecessary financial burdens on families.

Promotion of Deaf Teachers in Education

KSDC urged the recruitment and training of Deaf teachers, particularly at the primary school level, to improve educational outcomes for Deaf children. The organization also recommended that teachers across the country be trained in Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) to enhance communication with Deaf students.

Accessible Technology and Resources

The society advocated for increased investment in assistive, rehabilitative, and educational technologies to improve the quality of life for Deaf individuals. They emphasized the need for these technologies to be accessible to Deaf students at both the primary and higher education levels.

Regional Collaboration and Networking

KSDC called for enhanced regional networking among Deaf communities across Kenya to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and build stronger support systems. Such collaboration is seen as essential for fostering a more inclusive environment for Deaf individuals nationwide.

Investment in Deaf Education

The organization urged both the government and private sector to invest more in Deaf education, particularly by empowering parents with the skills to learn KSL. This, they believe, will foster a more inclusive educational environment and improve communication between families and schools.

Employer Responsibility to Learn KSL

In an effort to promote workplace inclusivity, KSDC called on employers to take responsibility for teaching their employees KSL, which would improve communication and accessibility for Deaf individuals in the workforce.

Removing Barriers to Language Learning

The society emphasized the need to reform educational policies to accommodate the linguistic needs of the Deaf community. Specifically, they urged the government to remove compulsory language requirements like Kiswahili or English, advocating for KSL as the primary mode of instruction.

Mental Health Support for Deaf Students

Addressing the emotional well-being of Deaf students, KSDC called for specialized counseling services that cater to the unique challenges faced by Deaf children, including those related to gender-based violence, abuse, and isolation.

Fast-Tracking the PLWDs Bill 2023

KSDC concluded with a call to expedite the passing of the People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) Bill 2023, urging the Kenyan Parliament to prioritize the legislation as it is critical to securing the rights of Deaf individuals and other persons with disabilities.

A Unified Call for Change

KSDC’s statement concluded with a call to all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, employers, and individuals, to join forces in making these changes a reality. The organization envisions a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable Kenya for Deaf persons, and with these resolutions, they hope to build a society that fully embraces and supports its Deaf community.

“We call on all stakeholders—government, civil society, employers, and individuals—to join us in making these changes a reality, for a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable Kenya for Deaf persons.” Said Kabiti.

The Deafness Conference 2024 has set the stage for a future where Deaf individuals are not only recognized for their unique needs but also empowered to participate fully in all aspects of Kenyan society.