A Mombasa-based lobby is appealing for the introduction of Kenya Sign Language as a compulsory subject in public schools to help people with disabilities.
Dream Achievers Youth Organisation has called upon the national government to ensure that sign language is aligned with the competency-based curriculum.
According to the Dayo programmes officer Enos Opiyo, inclusion of sign language in the curriculum will benefit about 2.7 million people living with hearing impairment, a significant portion of the population.
“By teaching sign language in schools, we will not only develop the confidence to make friends and express themselves more, but also other children will gain the skills they need to communicate with them,” he said.
Opiyo said that the proposal is also contained in the Kenya Sign Language Bill, 2023.
The Bill, which is currently in the Parliament, is sponsored by 27-year-old nominated MP Umulkheir Harun. Once adopted, it will mainstream sign language and integrate it into the school curriculum.
The Bill also seeks to make mandatory sign language interpreters deployed in courts, government offices and schools, as well as other key places where those with hearing impairment would be disadvantaged without them.
At the same time, Opiyo said that access to sexual and reproductive health services in public and private hospitals have also been a big challenge for those with hearing impairment because the facilities lack sign language interpreters.
“They have been left out and continues to get disadvantaged while accessing the services,” he said.
He was speaking during the Annual Youth and Adolescents People with Disability Sexual Reproductive Health Rights and Gender Justice Summit held at Kicodep Bombolulu in Mombasa county.
During the summit, the participants engaged on topical issues, among them, the advancement of the Sexual Reproductive Health Rights and Gender Justice for the disabled population.
Opiyo said the summit was a step forward in creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
"The summit, which brings together different stakeholders, reaffirms our commitment to leaving no one behind. Our active involvement underscores the importance of a united front in advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities, he said.
In regulating special education, he said that the Bill seeks to empower the Education ministry and the Cabinet Secretary to regulate the provision of Kenyan sign language interpretation.
The Bill also seeks to create a culture shift, moving away from pitying those with hearing impairment and instead acknowledging them and providing an enabling environment for them.
Mombasa Youth and Social Services Kennedy Ambani said that the county government is committed to promote SRHR and gender justice for all residents.
“We have embarked on a journey to ensure inclusivity and social protection in all areas of society in Mombasa,” he said.
The summit brought together students from various schools, including students with disabilities, to engage in a meaningful exchange of ideas and share essential knowledge in the areas of sexual and reproductive health and rights, life skills and gender justice.
