FEDOMA requests production of more sign language dictionaries

As the country is commemorating international deaf week and international day of sign language, Federation for Disability Organizations in Malawi FEDOMA has requested for production of more copies of sign language dictionaries to create a communication barrier free nation.

FEDOMA executive director Symon Munde said it is sad that persons with deafness are living in the world of their own due to lack of interventions in ensuring that everyone has access to information.

He said deaf people have a right to access information equally through Accessible modes and channels of communication hence the need to double efforts in popularizing sign language.

However Munde has commended government, Malawi National Association for the deaf and Tamva friends for the deaf in rectifying challenges that people with deafness are facing in the country.

Meanwhile Tamva friends for the deaf said there is progress in promoting rights of people with deafness at all levels.

Tamva friends for the deaf information officer Hajj Mulenga said “various government and non-governmental institutions are doing a lot in improving the situation including training sign language interpreters and teachers.”

He stressed the need for mindset change through raising awareness on the importance of promoting sign language in the country.

The day is being commemorated under the theme: sign up for sign language rights but Malawi will hold the event to commemorate the day in Ntchisi district at a later date.