The National Association of the Deaf has stressed the need for learning of sign language by members of the society.
They made the call during this year’s Annual General Meeting of the association hosted by Anambra State for South East Region.
The weeklong meeting held at the Professor Kenneth Dike E-Library, Awka, drew members of the association from different parts of the country to deliberate on their activities and proffer ways to champion their interests and wellbeing.
The meeting coincided with the International Week of The Deaf, which has the theme “Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere”.
The International Week of the Deaf is set aside to celebrate the cultural and linguistic diversity within the global deaf community.
Welcoming the participants to Anambra, the Chairman, Anambra State Disability Rights Commission, Barrister Chuks Ezewuzie said the theme ties to the plan that Anambra State Government has for the deaf which has been enshrined in the Anambra State Disability Right Law 2018.
Barrister Ezewuzie further noted that sign language is an international language that bridges the gap between the deaf and members of the society, calling on government at all levels to swing into action to make the language a universal language.
On his part, the National President of National Association of The Deaf, Comrade Chidi Olujie explained that annual meeting will find solutions to the neglect, stigmatization and other societal challenges faced by their members.
He emphasized that the first step in achieving inclusiveness is to internalize sign language learning in every sphere of society so that their members can communicate effectively with people.
The keynote speaker, Professor Williams Obiozor, who is the Director, Center for Disability Research at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, maintained that every human being despite their disability is created with unique natural skills that will guarantee them a brighter future, charging members of the deaf community not to be deterred by the challenges they are going through and to see abilities in their disabilities.
Contributing, the State Chairman of the Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke commended the National Association of the Deaf for choosing Anambra State as the host of the annual general meeting.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Acting Chairman of Anambra State Association of the Deaf, Comrade Anthony Ekemezie disclosed that the gathering provides them with the opportunity to celebrate the culture and language of the deaf community and to remind them of the limitless potential that lies within the global deaf community.
Also in her remarks, the Acting South East Zonal Coordinator of the association, Mrs. Blessing Uwakwe expressed hope that the Anambra State Government will continue to partner them towards achieving a more inclusive society.
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