Miss-Delectable
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The Standard | Online Edition :: Translating for the deaf
Nancy Odipo, 33
Why did you learn to sign?
I have an elder sister, Caroline, who is deaf. She attended Mumias School for the deaf while I was young. At home I realised she had to communicate with my parents through writing. I used to attend church services at my sister’s school and I was fascinated by how they communicated but it was obvious they found it hard to communicate with those not hard of hearing.
My curiosity was instantly piqued and I felt the need to find a solution.
My sister taught me the basics of sign language and encouraged me to study the language.
After completing high school, I enrolled for a certificate course in sign language at the University of Nairobi and graduated in 2005.
Who needs a sign interpreter?
I have worked as a sign language interpreter with National Convention of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), first as a volunteer, and then later on full time basis.
I also worked with the East African Deaf Association based at Kamagambo College in South Nyanza, where I interpreted for trainee P1 teachers. Later, I worked with the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission (CKRC) during their sittings across the country.
What schools did you attend?
I attended Misikhu Boarding Primary School in Bungoma before joining Ahero Girls High School in Nyando District. I studied sign language at the University of Nairobi. I also have certificate in guidance and counselling.
The NCCK sponsored my training as a P1 teacher at Kamagambo Teacher Training College. I have also completed a diploma in Public relations to boost my interaction skills with the people I work with.
Are the needs of the deaf met?
The deaf are a neglected group. People, especially in the rural areas, view them as a curse and most families abhor them. Parents do not know how to raise deaf children. Sadly, special schools in the country are few and expensive, rendering many deaf people illiterate.
Sometimes people wonder why sign language interpreters use signs yet they can speak — this sums up society’s perception about the deaf.
Is it as easy as speaking?
It is like learning a foreign language, so you need interest. Sign language interpretation needs a lot of tolerance and one has to be keen as there is a difference between signing and interpreting. But sadly, we are never appreciated because people do not know our role.
What frustrations do you face?
In the justice system, police drop cases involving the deaf without putting in effort to look for an interpreter. It is a challenge for the deaf to report injustices against them as they are often turned away from police stations and asked to find interpreters. Eventually, they give up.
Sometimes the deaf resent us (interpreters), as they may not understand our job.
However, people are slowly getting to know that we exist, but the police are still ignorant.
Then as a mother it is difficult balancing time because my job involves a lot of travelling and I am often away from my son. People do not like women who travel a lot.
Good thing though is that my son is understanding and can take care of himself.
How do you sign legal issues?
Since I deal with the law, I have to read widely and get clear understanding of sections of the constitution so that I am conversant with legal jargon.
I can sign anything. I even attend the ACK deaf church service where I am a choir member. We sing in signs and it is fun.
Society should appreciate that the deaf as part of the population, and that they too, have equal rights with normal people.
What do you enjoy about your job?
The relief I gain from helping the helpless is enormous.
My job involves a lot of travelling, as I am the only interpreter in Western and Nyanza. Sometimes I have to visit the deaf in cells and prisons and each time I interpret, I feel the hard of hearing are getting what they deserve.
Your parting shot
I encourage everyone to learn sign language in the same way we learn English or French. Even my 11-year-old son Brandon Junior, knows sign language.
The media should also invest in sign language interpreters to cater for this section of the population. Not all information is captured by the captions and the deaf are therefore not reached.
Lucy Florah
What schools did you attend?
attended Kakamega Muslim Primary and Keveye Girls High schools before studying sign language at the University of Nairobi under the Kenya Sign Language Research Project (KSLRP).
How did you start?
I have a deaf cousin and each time we met, I noticed she was isolated in conversation. She always asked me what the people around were saying. Sometimes the story was very interesting and to distract her, I sometimes asked her to do some chores.
I however, realised I was being unfair to her and she always came to me. I had to oblige. Initially, she could lip read before I knew the signs. She motivated me to study sign language to break the communication barrier.
Where have you worked?
I have vast experience working with people with disabilities. I have served in several NGO’s as well as the Waki Commission and The Constitution of Kenya Review Commission (CKRC). Currently, I am a freelance sign language interpreter based in Nairobi.
Your take on sign language in Kenya?
Sign language is just like any other language that is hardly appreciated in our society. Some people wonder why a normal person like me would throw hands in the air and some think we are crazy.
It needs to be taught in schools as a subject so as to cater for the hearing-impaired. Isolating them in special schools makes it difficult for them to feel part of the society.
Do the deaf always get the intended message?
Sign language is interesting. Remember there are some feelings that you cannot openly pour out in spoken language, you don’t find it difficult in signs.
The worst case happens when somebody asks you not to interpret what he or she has just said in the middle of a conversation when your client (the deaf) was following the conversation.
How do you cope with the challenges?
First, society has a negative attitude towards the deaf with some families and communities thinking the deaf are a curse.
This makes it difficult when advocating for the rights of the hearing-impaired. Many do not understand why we should be paid because they think our job is not a profession but a calling we should volunteer for.
I try to advocate for the rights of the deaf through different organisations. I hope society will become more enlightened on the matter.
What drives you?
Sign language interpretation is fun and interesting. I love it because it is natural.
Are the deaf in Kenya recognised?
No. There should be a clause in the constitution to protect them. The Disability Act section 14 of 2003 has not been fully implemented. The convention on the rights of persons with disabilities (CRPD) that our country ratified early this year is yet to be domesticated.
The matter deserves serious attention from the government.
Nancy Odipo, 33
Why did you learn to sign?
I have an elder sister, Caroline, who is deaf. She attended Mumias School for the deaf while I was young. At home I realised she had to communicate with my parents through writing. I used to attend church services at my sister’s school and I was fascinated by how they communicated but it was obvious they found it hard to communicate with those not hard of hearing.
My curiosity was instantly piqued and I felt the need to find a solution.
My sister taught me the basics of sign language and encouraged me to study the language.
After completing high school, I enrolled for a certificate course in sign language at the University of Nairobi and graduated in 2005.
Who needs a sign interpreter?
I have worked as a sign language interpreter with National Convention of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), first as a volunteer, and then later on full time basis.
I also worked with the East African Deaf Association based at Kamagambo College in South Nyanza, where I interpreted for trainee P1 teachers. Later, I worked with the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission (CKRC) during their sittings across the country.
What schools did you attend?
I attended Misikhu Boarding Primary School in Bungoma before joining Ahero Girls High School in Nyando District. I studied sign language at the University of Nairobi. I also have certificate in guidance and counselling.
The NCCK sponsored my training as a P1 teacher at Kamagambo Teacher Training College. I have also completed a diploma in Public relations to boost my interaction skills with the people I work with.
Are the needs of the deaf met?
The deaf are a neglected group. People, especially in the rural areas, view them as a curse and most families abhor them. Parents do not know how to raise deaf children. Sadly, special schools in the country are few and expensive, rendering many deaf people illiterate.
Sometimes people wonder why sign language interpreters use signs yet they can speak — this sums up society’s perception about the deaf.
Is it as easy as speaking?
It is like learning a foreign language, so you need interest. Sign language interpretation needs a lot of tolerance and one has to be keen as there is a difference between signing and interpreting. But sadly, we are never appreciated because people do not know our role.
What frustrations do you face?
In the justice system, police drop cases involving the deaf without putting in effort to look for an interpreter. It is a challenge for the deaf to report injustices against them as they are often turned away from police stations and asked to find interpreters. Eventually, they give up.
Sometimes the deaf resent us (interpreters), as they may not understand our job.
However, people are slowly getting to know that we exist, but the police are still ignorant.
Then as a mother it is difficult balancing time because my job involves a lot of travelling and I am often away from my son. People do not like women who travel a lot.
Good thing though is that my son is understanding and can take care of himself.
How do you sign legal issues?
Since I deal with the law, I have to read widely and get clear understanding of sections of the constitution so that I am conversant with legal jargon.
I can sign anything. I even attend the ACK deaf church service where I am a choir member. We sing in signs and it is fun.
Society should appreciate that the deaf as part of the population, and that they too, have equal rights with normal people.
What do you enjoy about your job?
The relief I gain from helping the helpless is enormous.
My job involves a lot of travelling, as I am the only interpreter in Western and Nyanza. Sometimes I have to visit the deaf in cells and prisons and each time I interpret, I feel the hard of hearing are getting what they deserve.
Your parting shot
I encourage everyone to learn sign language in the same way we learn English or French. Even my 11-year-old son Brandon Junior, knows sign language.
The media should also invest in sign language interpreters to cater for this section of the population. Not all information is captured by the captions and the deaf are therefore not reached.
Lucy Florah
What schools did you attend?
attended Kakamega Muslim Primary and Keveye Girls High schools before studying sign language at the University of Nairobi under the Kenya Sign Language Research Project (KSLRP).
How did you start?
I have a deaf cousin and each time we met, I noticed she was isolated in conversation. She always asked me what the people around were saying. Sometimes the story was very interesting and to distract her, I sometimes asked her to do some chores.
I however, realised I was being unfair to her and she always came to me. I had to oblige. Initially, she could lip read before I knew the signs. She motivated me to study sign language to break the communication barrier.
Where have you worked?
I have vast experience working with people with disabilities. I have served in several NGO’s as well as the Waki Commission and The Constitution of Kenya Review Commission (CKRC). Currently, I am a freelance sign language interpreter based in Nairobi.
Your take on sign language in Kenya?
Sign language is just like any other language that is hardly appreciated in our society. Some people wonder why a normal person like me would throw hands in the air and some think we are crazy.
It needs to be taught in schools as a subject so as to cater for the hearing-impaired. Isolating them in special schools makes it difficult for them to feel part of the society.
Do the deaf always get the intended message?
Sign language is interesting. Remember there are some feelings that you cannot openly pour out in spoken language, you don’t find it difficult in signs.
The worst case happens when somebody asks you not to interpret what he or she has just said in the middle of a conversation when your client (the deaf) was following the conversation.
How do you cope with the challenges?
First, society has a negative attitude towards the deaf with some families and communities thinking the deaf are a curse.
This makes it difficult when advocating for the rights of the hearing-impaired. Many do not understand why we should be paid because they think our job is not a profession but a calling we should volunteer for.
I try to advocate for the rights of the deaf through different organisations. I hope society will become more enlightened on the matter.
What drives you?
Sign language interpretation is fun and interesting. I love it because it is natural.
Are the deaf in Kenya recognised?
No. There should be a clause in the constitution to protect them. The Disability Act section 14 of 2003 has not been fully implemented. The convention on the rights of persons with disabilities (CRPD) that our country ratified early this year is yet to be domesticated.
The matter deserves serious attention from the government.