By Dawda M. Jallow
The Gambia Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (GADOH) on Saturday commemorated International Week of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at its headquarters in Kanifing under the theme, “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights.”
Speaking at the event, GADOH Executive Director Dodou Loum urged parents to learn sign language to help deaf children develop effective communication skills from an early age.
He also called on schools, families, communities, government institutions and development partners to work together to promote accessible communication and inclusive education.
Representing the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Fatou Gaye said the commemoration provided an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of deaf and hard-of-hearing persons while reflecting on barriers that affect their enjoyment of human rights.
She said human rights apply to everyone and that persons with disabilities should be able to participate fully in social, economic, political and cultural life.
Gaye said The Gambia had strengthened its legal framework through the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2021, which provides a framework for protecting the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities and promoting their inclusion.
She identified communication as one of the major barriers facing deaf and hard-of-hearing persons, noting that limited access to effective communication can restrict their access to healthcare, justice, employment and public services.
Gaye urged public institutions to take reasonable measures to ensure that information and services are accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing persons.
She stressed that the enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Act must be followed by effective implementation, saying legal protection should be supported by public awareness, institutional commitment, adequate resources and practical measures.
Meanwhile, Anna Nancy Mendy, Director of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education, said sign language was not merely a means of communication but also a gateway to education, participation, identity and opportunity.
She said every deaf child had the right to learn, communicate and participate fully in school and society.
Mendy said the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education remained committed to strengthening inclusive education through the promotion of Gambian Sign Language, teacher training and improvements in learning and assessment arrangements.
She called for greater efforts to ensure that deaf children are identified early, appropriately supported and provided with equal opportunities to participate and succeed.
Mendy also stressed the importance of meaningfully involving the deaf community in decisions and services affecting their lives.