Kenya launches International Deaf Awareness Week

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Kenya Broadcasting Corporation: - KBC News

Dr James Nyikal, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Development has hailed the government for recognizing sign language as an official language in Kenya besides Kiswahili and English.

Dr Nyikal said the move would ensure that persons with hearing impairment are fully integrated into the community and can participate in the socio-economic and political development of the nation just like other Kenyans.

The language is now being used in service provision in the communication sector and all programs of national importance. Telephone services must also install and maintain devices or units for persons with hearing disability, as provided for in the Disability Act 2003 (section 40).

A sign language dictionary was published in 1991 and in line with modern technology, it is now available in interactive digital format.

Dr. Nyikal was speaking at Ufumangano House on Saturday when he officially flagged off a walk to commemorate the International Deaf Awareness Week which he said was meant to create further awareness on the plight of the deaf.

"It is encouraging that schools and institution of higher learning have also embraced sign language and the language is now examinable by the Kenya National Examination Council, University of Nairobi is also training sign language interpreters," Dr. Nyikal said.

He said that the government in collaboration with other stakeholders has come up with a wide range of legislation and policy frameworks and intervention programmes to ensure that persons with hearing impairment receive appropriate health, education and rehabilitation services within environments that best suit them.
 
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