Kenya Society for Deaf Children Charts Path for Inclusivity at Deafness Conference 2024 Nairobi

29thNovember 2024
By Brenda Asugu

Kenya The Kenya Society for Deaf Children (KSDC) has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap aimed at advancing the rights, accessibility, and opportunities for Deaf individuals across the nation. 
The announcement marked the conclusion of the three-day Deafness Conference 2024 held at Weston Hotel, Nairobi. The event brought together policymakers, educators, advocates, and members of the Deaf community to address critical issues affecting Deaf children and adults in Kenya.
PHOTO: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kenya Society of the Deaf (KSD) Rhoda G. Kabiti. 

The conference culminated in the adoption of several key resolutions aimed at fostering inclusivity and equity for the Deaf population Key Resolutions that were called upon included  Equitable Access to Sign Language Interpretation KSDC emphasized the urgent need for accessible, affordable, and accurate Sign Language interpretation services across public and private sectors. The organization called on Parliament to expedite the passage of the People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) Bill 2023, which would enshrine this obligation into law.

Employment of Deaf Persons in Government The society urged the government to actively employ qualified Deaf individuals in the judiciary, executive, and legislature, ensuring their participation in decision-making processes and improving accessibility to government services. Mandatory Neonatal Deafness Screening Advocating for early intervention, KSDC proposed mandatory neonatal deafness screening for all newborns. Additionally, they called for an end to redundant testing for individuals with irreversible deafness, reducing financial strain on families.
PHOTO: CEO Rhoda Kabiti together with the chairperson of Governing Council (KSDC) Mr. Francis Ng'ang'a and Mr. Geoffrey Wathigo, Chairman Kenya Association of the parents of the deaf and finance chair at KSDC, while addressing the media during a media press briefing. 

Promotion of Deaf Teachers To enhance education for Deaf children, the conference emphasized the recruitment and training of Deaf teachers, particularly in primary schools. It also recommended that all teachers learn Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) to improve communication with Deaf students. Accessible Technology and Resources KSDC highlighted the need for investment in assistive and educational technologies for Deaf individuals, ensuring accessibility in both primary and higher education.
KSDC appealed to all stakeholders—government, civil society, employers, and individuals—to support these resolutions. “We must work together to create a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable Kenya for Deaf individuals,” the society stated.

Regional Collaboration Delegates called for increased regional networking among Deaf communities to share best practices and build robust support systems. Investment in Deaf Education KSDC urged the government and private sector to allocate more resources toward Deaf education, including initiatives to teach parents KSL, enabling better communication at home and in schools. Employer Responsibility Employers were encouraged to teach employees KSL, promoting workplace inclusivity and better service delivery to Deaf clients.

Respecting Linguistic Needs The society recommended educational reforms to prioritize Kenyan Sign Language as the primary mode of instruction, removing barriers for Deaf students in learning inaccessible languages like Kiswahili or English. Mental Health Support for Deaf Students Delegates called for tailored counseling services to address mental health challenges faced by Deaf students, particularly in coping with issues such as gender-based violence and family abuse. Fast-Tracking the PLWDs Bill 2023 KSDC reiterated its call for Parliament to prioritize the passage of the PLWDs Bill, a crucial step in safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities, including the Deaf community. As the conference concluded, participants left with a renewed commitment to championing the rights of Deaf children and ensuring they are empowered to reach their full potential.

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