‘Get involved,’ calls Talk Sign campaign
KZNBDS is calling on the community to buy a sticker to wear on Talk Sign Day on March 11.
WHEN Kubashnee Perumal was offered surgery that would allow her to hear, she chose to remain a part of the Deaf community.
Perumal, who is one of the ambassadors for this year’s Talk Sign Campaign, shared her passion for the Deaf community at the 2022 Talk Sign launch at VN Naik School for the Deaf on Friday, February 4.
Speaking at the launch, Perumal said, “Change the mindset of Deaf people to be go-getters and achievers. Don’t be disillusioned by the fact that you can’t hear. This is something that should drive you to achieve all that hearing people can achieve.”
Now in its ninth year, the 2022 Talk Sign campaign theme is ‘get involved, a topic close to Perumal’s heart.
“This year’s theme, ‘get involved’ holds great meaning for me as deaf people tend to shy away,” she said.
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Through the campaign, the KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society has been advocating for sign language to be added as South Africa’s 12th official language and for sign language to be used in public domains, including schools, hospitals, police stations, and banks.
While sign language is especially important for parents of deaf children and professionals such as educators, social workers, and counselors, KZNBDS chairperson, Veetha Sewkuran said sign language could benefit broader society as a language beyond words.
“Every business that has daily communication with members of the public should have a basic knowledge of Sign Language. South Africa has 11 official languages, Sign language as its 12th official language could quite easily be learned and communicated, by every citizen in the country, irrespective of what their mother tongue is. In this way we will all speak a common language, understood by all, by never speaking a single word,” she said.
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Sewkuran said sign language opens a door to the deaf community.
“Learning sign language will make you culturally aware of the Deaf culture, as well as Deaf mannerisms, perspectives and a deep connection with the Deaf community. Deaf people are proud of being deaf and sign language is a major factor of the pride within their community. Becoming culturally aware can allow you to open your mind to new perspectives, beliefs and understanding,” she said
Support the campaign
To support the campaign, buy a Talk Sign sticker for R10 and wear it on Talk Sign day, March 11. All funds raised will help to educate and find employment for members of the Deaf community. For more information, call 031 309 4991 or email: infor@bdskzn.org.za.
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