Sunday, September 27th is World Deaf Day, which wraps up International Week of the Deaf. This initiative of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) was first launched in 1958 in Rome, Italy. Since then, it is celebrated annually by the global deaf community. The International Week of the Deaf is observed in the last week of September, the same month first World Congress of the WFD was held.
International Week of the Deaf strives to promote the rights of deaf people and highlight specific human rights topics that merit attention. This year’s theme is ‘With Sign Language Rights, Our Children Can!’
Locally, there are several organisations and schools that are committed to providing support to members of the deaf and hard of hearing community. These include:
Jamaica Association for the Deaf (JAD)
The JAD is a non-profit organisation established in 1938. The JAD’s vision is to have a fully empowered deaf community which actively contributes to the nation’s development. Services offered include education (through eight schools island-wide), a wide range of screening and diagnostic hearing tests, interpretation, Jamaican Sign Language training, book binding and school-to-work transition.
Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf (CCCD)
The CCCD operates three residential schools in Jamaica – Kingston, Montego Bay and Manchester. The CCCD’s mission statement is, “The Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf is a ministry that brings the gospel of Jesus Christ to the deaf of Jamaica. Through this ministry we will teach the deaf a language, provide a basic education, train in vocational areas, mentor and encourage the leaders and promote outreach, community, worship, and continuing education.”
Jamaica Christian School for the Deaf
Jamaica Christian School for the Deaf is a residential facility located in St James that caters to the needs of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Students range from two to 18 years old.
The basic aim of the Jamaica Christian School for the Deaf is to develop a well-integrated Christian person, morally upright, emotionally mature and ready for the outside world.
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Click here for a full list of institutions catering to the deaf and hard of hearing in Jamaica.
The University of Technology also recently developed groundbreaking software to help persons with hearing disabilities pass their CSEC exams.
What labels and terminologies are accepted by members of the community? Check out the video below.
Source: Rian Gayle
