The Malawi National Association of the Deaf says it is time for the country to recognize sign language as a national language to guarantee equal rights for people with hearing impairment.
Duncain Fukulani, Information Officer of the Association said sign language is a right, not a privilege, yet lack of interpreters in public offices is denying deaf people access to education, healthcare, employment, justice and public services.
He said raising awareness on sign language and promoting inclusion is crucial for deaf people to fully participate in social and economic activities.
Fukulani was speaking to MIJ Online as Malawi joins the rest of the world in concluding the International Week of the Deaf, commemorated under the theme “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights.”
He called on stakeholders to break communication barriers, respect Deaf identity and culture, and ensure critical information is accessible to all at all times, so that no Deaf person is left behind.