Enabling access through communication
‘Let’s Talk about Sign and Let’s Talk in Sign’ as part of the Talk Sign Campaign.
TALK Sign 2017 was launched at a special breakfast event at a beachfront hotel recently.
Guests were entertained by Gugu Ntini who performed a poem in sign language, and Darren Rajbal, previous winner of SA’s Got Talent, who is completely deaf, who danced for the audience.
Guest speakers Norma Millar, whose parents are both deaf, and Bianca Birdsey, whose three daughters are deaf, enthralled the guests with their stories on what it is like living with family who are deaf.
At the breakfast, president of the KZN Blind and Deaf Society, Justice Zak Yacoob said it was the human right of every person who is deaf to be able to communicate – to understand others and to be understood.
“We all need to communicate with each other. Imagine how lonely it must be when you don’t understand what the people around you are saying and, no-one understands what you are trying to say? This is how people who are deaf feel, around those who don’t understand South African Sign Language (SASL).”
He said SASL needed to be made South Africa’s 12th official language, not only for people who are deaf but for everyone’s benefit.
Schools and corporates are encouraged to buy Talk Sign stickers for R10 each and wear them on Talk Sign Day which is Friday, 10 March 2017.
“We are also encouraging people to do an activity on Talk Sign Day to show support for people who are deaf. Our staff, deaf clients and sign language interpreters are available to do a twenty minute, interactive presentation at schools and businesses in the lead up to the day,” said Shamila Surjoo, director of the KZN Blind and Deaf Society.
Darren Rajbal said it still amazed him how people presumed because someone was deaf, they lacked intelligence.
“We are just as capable as everyone else, we simply speak a different language. I wish more people would take the time to learn the language which the deaf community speaks. It would help us to feel less isolated and lonely,” said Darren.
Darren has been fortunate enough to travel overseas with his dancing and believes that South Africa is behind when it comes to the opportunities available for people who are deaf.
“I am very excited about the Talk Sign campaign as I believe that the awareness created and the funds raised will help people who are deaf to reach their full potential. I was brave enough to start dancing and developed my talent but for many people who are deaf, they are not given the opportunity or the confidence to try,” he said.
To place an order for stickers to sell at school or work or to set up a presentation, contact Alice Leah on 082 577 2110 or e-mail alice@thealist.co.za, or visit www.talksign.co.za for more information.
