In a time of virtually faceless people, the deaf community needs a voice now more than ever as they so deeply rely on lip reading to communicate.
Kempton Park’s own Miss Deaf SA finalist, Chanika Viljoen, has spoken up on behalf of her community and reminds readers that September is Deaf Awareness Month.
The sentiment she’s urged to share is the deaf and hard of hearing (HOH) are also beautiful people.
Chanika said: “We wear a special mask that says ‘I am deaf, I read lips’ so people realise and respect that they have to take off the mask so we may read their words. For those too weary of exposure, special masks can be acquired with a clear window showing one’s lips.”
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She explained HOH refers to people who still have some useful hearing and have a certain capacity to understand spoken language, with or without amplification.
“Most HOH people can use their phone and hearing aids. Deaf people, on the other hand, have little to no hearing. Deaf awareness can be showcased in varying forms, from understanding deaf culture to appreciating and supporting equal accessibility rights that deaf and HOH people fight for.”
Chanika is passionate about her cause and has experienced how the deaf and HOH are cut-off from the usual forms of communication, which can result in one feeling isolated and frustrated.
“Some deaf people speak, some use sign language and some use both.”
She also yielded some tips for those unaware of the other side of pandemic precautions:
• Get their attention. Try waving or tapping their shoulder.
• Speak normally – not too slowly or too loudly.
• Face them when you talk. Make sure they can see your mouth and please remove your mask.
• Use your hands – point at what you’re talking about.
• Keep trying – try texting on your phone or writing the message down.
“Deaf people are sensitive to words like, ‘never mind’ or ‘it’s not important’. Don’t give up just because translation takes time. Be patient.”
In conclusion, Chanika said this year will celebrate the linguistic, artistic, social, political, cultural contributions and accomplishments of deaf people.
“This will strengthen DeafSA to work towards the recognition of South African sign language as the 12th official language and the rights of deaf people in South Africa.”
As a special edition to this awareness, there is a ongoing vote special towards the Miss Deaf SA campaign from September 1 to 30.
To cast two votes for the price of one, SMS ‘MDS01’ to 47439 and support Chanika in her race to becoming Kempton’s representative in the 2020 race.
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Contact the newsroom by emailing:Editor at germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or Busi Vilakazi (Journalist) busiv@caxton.co.za.
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