Talk Sign Day to support the deaf
A TALK Sign campaign has been launched in KZN to popularise South African sign language (SASL) and to raise funds through the sale of Talk Sign stickers.
The proceeds of this KZN Blind and Deaf Society project will be used to educate people who are deaf and at a later stage, help them to find employment.
. “It is a 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 SASL. We need to make sign language the 12th official language, not only for people who are deaf but for everyone’s benefit,” said president of the KZN Blind and Deaf Society, Justice Zak Yacoob.
Schools and corporates are encouraged to buy Talk Sign stickers for R10 each and wear it on Talk Sign Day on Friday, 14 March.
“We also encourage 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 20 minute, interactive presentation at schools and businesses in the lead-up to the day. During this presentation, five phrases will be taught in sign language – ‘hello’, ‘how are you’, ‘I am fine thank you’, ‘your name please’ and ‘my name is’,” said Shamila Surjoo, director of the KZN Blind and Deaf Society.
Sign language alphabet cards will be distributed so pupils and staff members can learn to sign their names using these cards.
“As far as Talk Sign Day activities are concerned, schools and business can be as creative as they like. For example, each pupil can present something in sign language to the class and corporates can distribute the ‘do’s and don’ts’ when communicating with someone who is deaf to staff members,” said Shamila.
Darren Rajbal, a professional dancer, winner of SA’s Got Talent and who is completely deaf, is still amazed how people presume because someone is deaf, they must be lacking in intelligence.
“We are just as capable as everyone else, we simply speak a different language,” said Darren. “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.”
To place an order for stickers, to sell at school or work, or to set up a presentation, contact Ellisha on 031-309-4991 or email ellisha@talksign.co.za.
SMS ‘Talk Sign’ and your city to 36931 at a cost of R5. All profits will be donated to the Talk Sign campaign. Visit www.talksign.co.za for more information.
