Education
The Problem
Even though education has gotten better, a lot of Deaf signers still have a hard time getting the appropriate schooling. The root causes are insufficient resources, very few teachers fluent in local sign languages, and lack of support from school administration. Also, the appreciation of sign language interpreting as a profession is not yet widely known and practiced, resulting in lower educational achievement.
Why Current Methods Are Not Effective
Local sign languages are often dismissed with research focusing on high-income countries. Many “experts” and parents in these areas believe outdated myths that sign language would harm a Deaf child’s integration into the societies. In some low-to-middle-income countries, people view having a Deaf child as a curse.
As a result, local sign languages are not utilized, leading to a form of linguistic neglect that cause negative childhood experiences.
Deaf By The Numbers
About 2%
of deaf children worldwide receive education in sign language. 1
66%
of parents believe that a lack of communication in sign language is the biggest obstacle to deaf children receiving a high-quality education. 2
1 out of 10
teachers received appropriate training to teach deaf children. 3
More than 90%
of deaf children are born to hearing parents, most of whom have little to no knowledge of sign language or the Deaf community. 4
Our Solutions
We work hard to improve education for Deaf signers. Here’s how:
1. Resource Development
Appropriate educational resources such as books, teaching guides, and tools.
2. Teacher Training
Learning local sign languages and best practices for classrooms.
3. Advocacy and Policy
Language policy and planning, early intervention, qualified interpreters, and support services.
4. Communication Engagement
Deaf education advocacy and empowerment.
Outcomes
Without healthy child development, deaf signers may struggle with social isolation, academic opportunities, and employment in addition to self-confidence. Through these efforts, we aim to ensure that deaf students have better access to quality education and the same opportunities as everyone else to learn and succeed in school.
