Deaf Community Calls for Sign Language in Education Curriculum
The deaf community of Nyeri County has pledged to lobby the Ministry of Education through the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) to include sign language in basic education.
As a first step towards addressing some of the obstacles preventing the hearing impaired from leading a dignified life, it is proposed that Kenya Sign Language be taught in Early Childhood Development Education centres and primary schools.
In addition, they want the county government to begin hiring ECDE teachers with knowledge of sign language to ensure that hearing-impaired students have the same educational opportunities as their hearing peers.
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Monica Muthoni, a deaf individual residing in Nyeri, pointed out that the challenges faced by the hearing-impaired community often begin at the foundational level.
Parents lack of knowledge of sign language and teachers’ limited proficiency in sign language contribute to this inequality in educational access.
To address this issue, Monica proposed integrating Kenya Sign Language (KSL) into the curriculum from the foundational level, teaching it as a core language alongside Kiswahili or English.
She also suggested that county governments should consider hiring Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers who are proficient in sign language.
This would ensure that hearing-impaired children receive a strong educational foundation, promoting equality in educational opportunities.
During the celebrations of International Sign Language Day in Nyeri County, the deaf community urged the national and county governments to address employment disparities plaguing the deaf community.
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The constitution of Kenya and the Persons with Disability Act of 2003 stipulate that at least 5% of the workforce in both the private and public sectors must consist of individuals with disabilities.
However, despite presenting their petitions to the relevant state organs, they have yet to receive feedback on how the national and county governments are addressing the issues presented.
Ruguru raised a poignant question regarding inclusivity in the job market, emphasizing the lack of employment opportunities for deaf individuals despite their unique skill sets.
This situation highlights the need for greater efforts to create job opportunities that are accessible and inclusive for the deaf community.
The employment of sign language interpreters in all government institutions, including hospitals, is one of the issues they wish to have addressed. Additionally, they advocate for the incorporation of the deaf in community activities such as public participation forums.
She highlighted a significant challenge faced by the deaf community when accessing healthcare services, underscoring the necessity of having an interpreter present during medical appointments.
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This situation, she noted, can infringe upon their right to privacy, as it involves a third party in what should be a confidential doctor-patient interaction.
Members of the deaf community walked through the streets of Nyeri to raise awareness about their language before converging at Whispers Park to mark the occasion.
According to Kenneth Kabene, county director of the National Council of Persons with Disabilities, the United Nations designated this day to support and preserve the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all deaf people and other sign language users.
He stated that the NCPWD is collaborating with both levels of government to address the difficulties faced by people with disabilities.
Kabane, a representative of the government agency, acknowledged the pressing issue of unemployment among persons With Disabilities (PWDs). He expressed the agency’s commitment to collaborating with both county and national governments to address this challenge.
In addition, the Nyeri County Children’s Officer, Kung’u Mwaniki, the Director of Social Services, Lilian Olunga, the Chief Officer of the county department of Social Services, Joe Gethi, and his Public Service counterpart, Joseph King’ori, attended the festivities.
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Pauline Nyokabi and Lucy Wanyitu, ward representatives for individuals with disabilities, were also present.
According to Wanyitu, the county assembly is currently revising the Nyeri County Disability Act of 2017 to incorporate regulations.
She noted that the amendments will, among other things, provide disability issues with autonomy. Currently, women, adolescents, and people with disabilities are grouped together.
In addition, the amendments will address issues pertaining to the employment of people with disabilities and will establish a fund to support their activities in the county.
Wanyitu highlighted the amendments made to address various aspects, including health, employment, education, and funding, in relation to Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
Notably, the proposal involves allocating specific funds in the county budget exclusively for PWD-related issues. She also emphasized that the act would streamline cooperation between both levels of government to ensure the welfare of individuals with disabilities.
Furthermore, once enacted, the provisions would enable legal action against both governments if they fail to comply with the specified guidelines.
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Deaf Community Calls for Sign Language in Education Curriculum
