Newsletter Newsletter of the World Federation of the Deaf December 2010 DEAF EDUCATION in GAMBIA University Courses in Ghana and Uganda

wfd Newsletter newsletter of the world federation of the deaf december 2010 DEAF EDUCATION IN GAMBIA university courses in ghana and uganda

1 AN INTERNATIONAL NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATION WITH A SPECIAL CONSULTATIVE STATUS IN THE UNITED NATIONS

We welcome all news, articles, letters to the editor, and other contributions. We reserve the right of acceptance or rejection and the right to edit all submissions that we publish. Please send all correspondence to: World Federation of the Deaf PO Box 65 00401 Helsinki Finland E-mail: [email protected] CONTENTS Layout Laura Pajunen

3 education and deaf people in the gambia 5 news from the wfd 9 wfd general assembly 11 international news WFD, the World Federation of the Deaf, is an 12 changing times umbrella organisation providing a wide range 14 news from members and partners of support and advocacy services for national Deaf associations. The World Federation of 17 books and publications the Deaf (WFD) was established in 1951 in 18 coming events Rome, Italy during the first Deaf World Con- gress. As an international non-governmental organisation, it has a special consultative status in the United Nations (UN) system, where it is represented at the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC); the Educational Scien- tific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); the International Labour Organization (ILO); and World Health Organization (WHO). It also has participatory status with the Coun- cil of Europe (CoE). WFD currently has 130 national associations of the Deaf as its members. WFD provides a platform for cooperation and information exchange among its Cover picture: members and partners. As an international organisation and through national organisa- Pre-School Deaf Children at play at the Nursery School in Kanifing, Gambia by Lucy Upah and Sarah Houge tions, WFD is emphasizing on improving the human rights for Deaf persons, the status of national sign languages, better education for Deaf people, and improved access to information technology and services. 2 WFD DEAF HUMAN RIGHTS AND CAPACITY BUILDING TRAINING PROJECT IN WESTERN AND CENTRAL AFRICA EDUCATION AND DEAF PEOPLE IN THE GAMBIA By Lucy Upah and Sarah Houge WFD Western and Central Africa Regional Coordinator & Trainer

The Gambia is Africa’s smallest country with a total population of 1.8 million people; there are seven provinces in the nation with Banjul as the capital city. There is no official census of persons with disabilities in the Gambia. However, the Gambia National Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (GADHOH) in collaboration with Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) conducted a research and ascertained that there are around 2,000 Deaf people in the entire country.

here is only one Deaf school in the Gambia, three classes and ten students in each class. The first St. John’s School for the Deaf located in Banjul teachers were foreigners and they used the oral method that provides primary and junior secondary for instruction. The school continued to expand but education for the Deaf. The history of Deaf later some Deaf people stopped attending due to the EducationT can be traced back to 1978 where a Canadian lack of sign language usage in the school. Many deaf Priest with the Catholic Mission started an educational students passed out of the school without achieving the programme in the Gambia. However, sign language expected goal of basic literacy. was not used as a medium of classroom instruction n 1993, a woman from the Catholic Mission in during the early years. The educational programme Holland came to the Gambia with an alternative was basically vocational in nature; students were taught educational curriculum for the Deaf using sign vocations such as carpentry, tailoring, hair-making, etc. language. The school then contacted all the former In 1980, The Catholic Mission Church received a Istudents to return to school and learn sign language parcel of land from the government of the Republic from the Dutch woman. This was the beginning of the Gambia on which to build a Deaf School. After of educational instruction using sign language in enough money was raised to build the school, the St. the country. This has resulted in the Gambian Sign John’s School for the Deaf was opened in 1984 with Language (GSL) being heavily influenced by the Sign Language of the Netherlands. Presently, St. John’s School for the Deaf provides education for approximately 200 students from the primary level to Junior High (grade 1 – 9). During the WCAR capacity building training, the participants, most of whom are products of St. John’s School for the Deaf, expressed their desire to complete their education to Senior Level (Grade 12) in order to qualify for entry into the university. The participants and other members of the Gambian Deaf Community expressed frustrations that they are unable to get better paying jobs because of their limited educational qualification; they are unable to further their education because they can hardly pass grade 9 graduation examinations. Our interactions revealed that only very few Deaf individuals (mostly hard of hearing) passed beyond Grade 12 at hearing schools. Signboard of St. John’s School for the Deaf, Banjul

3 iscussions during training revealed that there are issues relating to the Sign Languages used in Deaf Educational programmes in the Gambia. GADHOH has an on-going Dproject for researching, documenting and distributing GSL, which is the Sign Language used in the GADHOH Nursery Schools and by the majority of the Deaf in the Gambia. When the children are transferred to St. John’s School for the Deaf to start primary school, they are then taught in Sign Language of the Netherlands. This has caused some frustrations for community and GADHOH members. GADHOH continues to develop a relationship with St. John’s School for the Deaf and encourage the introduction of GSL as the language of instruction and communication in the school. More worrisome for the members of the Deaf Nursery School in Kanifing, Headquarters of GADHOH in Community is their inability to pass the Junior High Banjul (Grade 9) examination and qualify for Senior High (Grade 10 – 12). They wonder how they are unable to uring the capacity building training session pass the Grade 9 examination after having passed the on Deaf Education, participants shared grades 1 – 8 examinations. Participants and Community their history and experiences with Deaf members agreed that a bottoms-up approach is needed Education in the to improve the issues surrounding DGambia and the efforts that When the children are Deaf Education. Top on the list of GADHOH is making to bring priorities is addressing the generic changes to the educational system. transferred to St. John’s School lack of teachers qualified in GSL In 2003, with the support of the in order to ensure that a bilingual Female Wing, GADHOH began for the Deaf to start primary component is incorporated in the a nursery school programme to teaching curriculum. They also give basic educational foundation school, they are then taught discussed about the potentials of to Deaf children from the age of having a government-run Deaf 1 up to 7 years, when they are old in Sign Language of the School, where much needed enough to start primary school at services such as teachers’ trainings the St. John’s School for the Deaf. Netherlands. and interpretation services In 2006, this programme also are provided. This hopefully extended to Brikama, one of the will address the issue of mass provinces in which GADHOH failure of Grade 9 graduation has a branch office. In 2008, an organisation from examinations and allow Deaf students to continue the Netherlands, Foundation Buganala, built and their education. When this challenge is tackled, it would commissioned a Nursery School for pre-school Deaf then be time for GADHOH to engineer the process of children at the site of the current GADHOH head advocacy for the establishment of a Deaf High School office. In 2009, GADHOH also commissioned a in the Gambia. Nursery School in Brikama with support from the GADHOH looks forward to the partnership and Netherlands. support of the WCAR Secretariat in the near future to advocate for changes in Deaf education in the Gambia.

Pre-School Deaf Children at play at the Nursery School in WCAR Training participants empowered and motivated for Kanifing change! 4 News from the wfd world federation of the deaf health resources initiative: Steps forward to health care and mental health care for deaf people worldwide The WFD Health Resources Initiative aims to improve health and mental health of Deaf people, reduce health problems amongst Deaf people and achieve a greater support for Deaf people accessing health services.

The project contributes to research about the Hospital of St John of God in Linz financially health situation of Deaf people and leads towards supports the first phase of the project, which is a strengthened worldwide network and know- realized in cooperation between the Center for the how exchange of health and mental health care Deaf Linz, within the Institute of Neurology of programmes for Deaf people based on examples Senses& Language and the World Federation of the of good practice. Focusing on cultural and Deaf (WFD). The project has relevance for all linguistic needs of all Deaf people, the projects Deaf people health programmes worldwide, it is cultural and socio-economic diversity will lead especially designed to enhance existing health all participants to a deeper understanding of services for Deaf people but also serves to support health challenges throughout the world of the the development of new services by Deaf. providing technical and human resources support. The WFD Health Resources Initiative developed through the WFD Expert working group on Contact: Health Center for the Deaf Health and Mental Health is working to Prim. Dr. Johannes Fellinger guarantee health as equal right for Persons with Tel: 0043/732/7897-24900 Fax: -24979 Disabilities and Deaf people as it is recognised Email: [email protected] by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons WFD Health Resources Initiative Coordinator with Disabilities. Alexa Kuenburg Email: [email protected]

DONORS Anniversary contribution to WFD Roland Hermann donated an anniversary gift on the WFD wishes to thank to those WFD members who occasion of his 50th birthday to WFD. He and Patricia have made a contribution to support the WFD. Shores Hermann hoped that the donation of 2650 € Here are the names of the list of the contributors: will be used in an educational project for deaf children in developing countries. Mr. Markku Jokinen, President Ayad Qaid Ahmed of the World Federation of the Deaf, received the Hanne Berge Kvitvaer donation in Brussels and thanked Roli and Patty for Finlandssvenksa Teckenspråkiga rf (Finnish-Swedish the honour of receiving this important contribution deaf association), Finland that supports deaf children and WFD’s work in human rights. ICED PETITION - TAKE ACTION!

World Federation of the Deaf is calling individuals to sign an online petition, New Era Document, which rejects the resolutions of the 1880 Milan Congress that banned the use of sign language from educational programmes for deaf children.

TO SIGN THE PETITION, PLEASE VISIT:

www.petitions24.com/wfd Roland, Markku and Patricia in Brussels after giving the donation to WFD. 5 News from the wfd

Dear friends of the World Federation of the Deaf,

Help us to make change happen!

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with relevant to Deaf people. WFD also represents the Deaf Disabilities has started a new era in human rights community at the UN level. protection. In the past years, we have witnessed an To enable us to continue with this important human exciting increase in understanding of deaf people’s rights work, I am asking you to join our efforts by rights as human rights. International community, supporting the World Federation of the Deaf by a governments and deaf associations around the world year-end contribution. Our human rights work relies are striving for the recognition of Deaf people’s rights on your donations. Your support will assure that Deaf and, in particularly, recognition for sign languages and people are an important part of the global movement deaf culture. and our rights continue to be promoted. Sign languages World Federation of the Deaf had an enormous and deaf culture are, indeed, a natural part of global impact on the Convention by advocating and human diversity. negotiating important articles that relate to Deaf people’s rights. World Federation of the Deaf continues Thank you for supporting the World to have an important role in safeguarding Deaf people’s involvement in all Convention processes that are Federation of the Deaf!

Please make your donations to: World Federation of the Deaf Nordea Bank Helsinki, Finland Account No: 155530-111337 Swift Address: NDEAFIHH International Bank Account Number (IBAN): FI04 1555 3000 1113 37 Markku Jokinen President Visit our website: http://www.wfdeaf.org/donations World Federation of the Deaf

6 News from the wfd WFD MEMBERSHIP FEES WFD BOARD MEETING FOR ORDINARY MEMBERS ONLY The 96th WFD Board meeting will be held in San The WFD General Secretariat has sent the invoices Jose, Costa Rica hosted by the National Association of through email and some by mail for membership fees the Deaf of Costa Rica from 25 – 27 January 2011. for the year 2010 and as well as for previous years to At this meeting, the WFD Board will discuss about the Ordinary Members. It would be much appreciated upcoming XVII WFD General Assembly. for the Ordinary Members to pay the fees as soon as possible. The WFD General Secretariat will send out the WFD Secretariat depends on membership fees to final documents to all WFD Ordinary Members, three cover part of the expenses of running the office – months before the WFD General Assembly in April without your support we cannot continue to function. 2011. If Ordinary Members need a reduction or postponement in paying their fee, this must be communicated to us in writing so this can be added to FUNDRAISING ORGANISATIONAL STRATEGY the agenda for the Board action. MEETING

WFD GENERAL SECRETARIAT Three (3) WFD Board members, WFD President, Dr. Joseph Murray and Ms. Hanne Berge Kvitvaer and WFD General Secretariat including one volunteer, WFD office had a sign language interpreter student Mr. Knud Sondergaard met up for the Fundraising doing work experience, a Finnish woman, Ms. Katariina Organisational Strategy meeting in Oslo, Norway from Hämäläinen working for three weeks. Her duties were to 7 – 9 December 2010 to set up the proposed WFD look for articles on WFD from the old deaf magazines Action Plan for 2011 – 2015. This proposed Action Plan from around the world, assisted WFD staff with the will be shown to the WFD Board at its meeting in Costa office duties. The staff would like to express our thanks Rica in January 2011 and also for the upcoming WFD her for her work and wishing the best for the future in General Assembly in South Africa in July 2011. It was studying to become a sign language interpreter. much appreciated that Norwegian Deaf Association covered the costs for meals and accommodation for the three Board members and WFD staff.

XVI WORLD CONGRESS REGISTRATION EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION IS OPEN UNTIL 15 APRIL 2011. For further information, check on WFD Congress website: www.wfd2011.com The WFD Congress Registration is available now online. For fees and registration, please visit: http://www.wfd2011.com http://wfd2011.com/registration

interesting facts about south africa • The Kruger National Park supports the greatest variety of wildlife species on the African continent • The Cango Caves near Oudsthoorn is the world’s longest underground cave sequence • The only street in the world to house two Nobel Peace Prize winners is in Soweto. Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu both have houses in Vilakazi Street, Orlando West. • Cape Town has the fifth-best blue sky in the world, according to the UK’s National Physical Laboratory • Two of the world’s most profoundly compassionate philosophies originated in South Africa – Ubuntu (the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity) and Gandhi’s notion of “passive resistance” (Satyagraha), which he developed while living in South Africa. Source: SA Tourism 7 ABOUT World Federation of the Deaf WFD Full Equality & Qualify of Life For All Deaf People THE WORLD FEDERATION OF THE DEAF WFD HAS PARTICIPATED IN THE NEGOTIATIONS OF THE FIRST HUMAN is an international RIGHTS TREATY OF THE 21ST CENTURY; THE FIRST BINDING TREATY organisation representing and promoting the human rights SPECIFICALLY PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN of approximately ALL AREAS OF LIFE. 70 million people worldwide.

Location: Helsinki, Finland

130 ordinary members

7 regional secretariats worldwide

WFD has a consultative SUPPORT status in the Union Nation including: WFD’S WORK FOR HUMAN -Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) RIGHTS!

-UN Educational, ScientiÞc DONATE NOW and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons Any amount you can give will make a with Disabilities will have a great impact on many -International Labour difference. Organization (ILO) Deaf peopleÕs lives after it has been ratiÞed. The Convention acknowledges recognition of: MONTHLY -World Health Organization (WHO) sign language, deaf culture and linguistic GIVING and cultural identity, quality education in What an easy way to sign language, professional sign language support our work on a monthly basis! JOIN US! interpreting and acceptance and facilitation the use of sign language. WFD SHOP To become an individual member, you will T-shirts, pins, receive a member bulletin 6 times per year Country Name Sign and the latest news from our e-mail service. With your help and support, we can book, and much more! You also will be able to buy a cheaper ticket continue to make a difference! www.wfdeaf.org to WFD’s Congress, which is held from 18 to 24 July 2011 in Durban, South Africa. For more information, check. www.wfd2011.com World Federation of the Deaf P.O. Box 65 How can you join? Go to our website for 00401 Helsinki Individual Membership form. You also can FINLAND contact our office and we can send you the Fax: +358 9 5803572 application form. Once you fill the form out Email: [email protected] and pay, we will send you a member certificate. www.wfdeaf.org Other Enquires: [email protected]

8 WFD GENERAL ASSEMBLY 16– 17 JULY 2010

FOR ORDINARY MEMBERS ONLY

APPROACHING DEADLINES FOR GA DOCUMENTS WFD has sent a registered letter along with documents to all Ordinary Members on 17 June 2010 for the upcoming XVIII General Assembly, which will be held from 16 – 17 July 2011 in Durban, South Africa prior to the World Congress. The General Secretariat would like to remind Ordinary Members about the deadlines of the General Assembly documents that must be submitted to the General Secretariat in Finland. IMPORTANT DEADLINES: • two (2) original entrusting power forms: 15 NOVEMBER 2010 (closed) • inclusions in the agenda and proposals/motions: 15 NOVEMBER 2010 (closed) • nominations for wfd board position: 31 DECEMBER 2010 • nominations for wfd awards: 31 DECEMBER 2010 • bids to host the xvi world congress in 2011: 31 DECEMBER 2010

FINAL AGENDA AND ATTACHMENTS REPRESENTATIVES FROM DEVELOPING COUNTRIES WFD will send a final agenda with attached reports If official representatives of a deaf association ina and other materials in April 2011 (at three months in developing country are lacking funds to cover travel advance, as stated in WFD Statutes Article 28.1, prior related costs to the General Assembly, please inform to the General Assembly.) the WFD General Secretariat as soon as possible. WFD cannot guarantee any financial assistance, thus, encourages its members to start negotiating for financial assistance with relevant partners. However, WFD would WORKSHOP like to compile a list of those members that are lacking financial resources to attend the meeting. A workshop for the General Assembly (GA) will be held on 15 July 2011, prior to the XVIII General Assembly.

Further information about the General Assembly: Ms. Phillipa Sandholm ([email protected]).

9 WFDYS Camp South Africa 6 – 14 July

Deaf Federation of South Africa (DeafSA) will be hosting the 5TH WFDYS Youth Camp from 6 – 14 July 2011 in South Africa.

The main objectives of the WFDYS camp are: • To train and develop organisational and leadership skills in Deaf Youth • To facilitate networking among Deaf Youth

Selection Criteria: • Ordinary Members of the WFD are invited to nominate two (2) participants per country – 1 male and 1 female representatives • All participants must be deaf Registration fees: • Must be between the ages of 18 – 30 years • Copy of the passports must be sent by fax or Developed countries – R 6 000.00 email with the registration form • Deadline for all registrations are 30 April 2011 Developing countries – R 4 200.00

| |10 JULY 2011 • Guest speaker: | • Leadership Training | 6 JULY 2011 • Problem solving • Arrival | • Registration | 11 JULY 2011 • Opening Ceremony Ushaka Marine World | | | 7 JULY 2011 | 12 JULY 2011 • International Sign Workshop • Guest Speaker: HIV/AIDS John • Policy workshop Meletse – Deaf man living with HIV | & AIDS | 8 JULY 2011 • Sight visit • Key Note Speaker: Life of being a • Beach South African - Braam Jordaan • Team work, games, competition • Countries Report on: • Zulu evening • Youth Development • Braaivleis • Challenges | • Leadership Training | 13 JULY 2011 • At night: Cultural activity • Camp Evaluation | | | 9 JULY 2011 | 14 JULY 2011 • Teambuilding Departure • Countries • Youth Development • Challenges • Leadership Training | YOUTH CAMP WFD | | YOUTH CAMP WFD |

For06 more information about the camp: please visit http://www.wfd2011.com/wfdys/10 and also 07 www.wfdeaf.org International News

EMPOWERING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES WILL HELP BATTLE AGAINST POVERTY – UN OFFICIALS

3 December 2010 –Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon n this International Day, let us recognize and the United Nations human rights chief have called that the battles against poverty, disease and on governments to do more to support people with “Odiscrimination will not be won without disabilities, stressing that they play a vital role in efforts targeted laws, policies and programmes that empower to reach the globally agreed anti-poverty targets by their this group. 2015 deadline. The Secretary-General’s call for governments to give n a message marking the International Day more support to the 650 million people with disabilities of Persons with Disabilities, Mr. Ban urged worldwide was echoed by the UN High Commissioner governments to implement the UN Convention for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, who said it made no on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and sense that governments did not do more to bring such a Ito integrate the needs of this group with their pursuit large, potentially productive group in from the sidelines. of the anti-poverty targets known as the Millennium “Efforts to reduce poverty – and to achieve that Development Goals (MDGs). Millennium Development Goals, which include halving “People with disabilities account for roughly 20 poverty – will be severely hampered if efforts to improve per cent of those living in poverty in developing the situation of hundreds of millions of people living countries,” he noted. “Worldwide, they suffer high rates with disabilities are not pursued with vigour,” she said. of unemployment and often lack access to adequate Ms. Pillay praised the fast adoption of the Convention education and healthcare. In many societies, there are on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, saying it had simply no provisions made for this group and they been signed and ratified faster than any other treaty in end up living in isolation, disconnected from their own history. communities.” he Convention makes it clear that persons This year’s theme for the Day is “Keeping the with disabilities have the same rights as promise: mainstreaming disability in the Millennium “Teveryone else. This is not a matter of Development Goals.” Mr. Ban recalled that among the charity, or choice. They are entitled to the same rights promises made by world leaders at the high-level MDG to key services such as health and education, the same Summit in September was a commitment to improve right to earn a living and not to be discriminated against the lives of persons with disabilities. in any way,” she said. The annual observance of the International Day CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December was WITH DISABILITIES (CRPD) established in 1981 during the International Year for Disabled Persons. The Day aims to promote a better 5 articles refer directly to sign languages and the understanding of disability issues with a focus on the Deaf: rights of people with disabilities and the gains that Article 2: Definitions could be derived from integrating them better in every Article 9: Accessibility (2 e) aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life Article 21: Freedom of expression and opinion, of their communities. ■ and access to information (b and e) Source: UN News Article 24: Education (3b, 3c, 4) Article 30: Participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport (4) COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES BY NOW 5th session (11-15 April 2011) • 96 ratifications of the Convention Consideration of 2 State reports (CRPD): • 147 signatories to the Convention Tunisia OPTIONAL PROTOCOL TO THE CONVEN- • 12-13 April 2011 • 60 ratifications of the Optional Protocol • 90 signatories to the Optional Protocol • Public Adoption of Concluding Observations RECENT SIGNATURES AND RATIFICATIONS: Spain • Turkmenistan ratified the Optional Protocol on 10-11-2010 • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ratified the • Private meeting Optional Protocol on 29-10-2010 • Adoption of List of Issues • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ratified the Convention on 29-10-2010 • Sierra Leone ratified the Convention on 4-10- More information: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ 2010 HRBodies/CRPD/Pages/Session5.aspx 11 News wfd members and partners

university courses for deaf students in ghana and uganda

By Sam Lutalo-Kiingi

eaf students in Ghana have studied at university for the first time, and Ugandan Deaf students are soon to enrol on a new Deaf Studies diploma course. Teaching Dthrough sign language and the involvement of Deaf academics are the hallmarks of these achievements, which have been made possible through the project “Training and Employability for Deaf Communities in Ghana and Uganda”. This 18-month project under the British Council’s “Education Partnerships in Africa” programme was funded by the UK Department of Business, Innovation and Skills. Completed in September, it was coordinated by the International Institute for Sign Languages and Deaf Studies Ugandan lecturer Bonnie Busingye developing a deaf studies (iSLanDS) at the University of Central Lancashire curriculum in the lab at the iSLanDS Institute (UCLan) in Preston, UK, alongside African partners in Uganda and Ghana. basic computer literacy skills. Through the project, 25 The aim of the project was to give Deaf Ugandans hearing students also learned Ghanaian Sign Language and Ghanaians greater educational and employment at the University of Ghana, broadening the pool of opportunities, through access to university-level future potential sign language interpreters. Partners in education and interpreters. For the Ghanaian Deaf the UK and Ghana are now planning more courses and people who participated in the project, university doors activities. opened to them for the first time as they studied on a n Uganda, students will soon benefit from a course tailored to their needs. A team including Deaf diploma course specifically about Deaf people project members Marco Nyarko and Francis Boison and their language and culture. This course is due trained 33 Deaf signers for two weeks at an intensive to start at Kyambogo University in Kampala in summer school in sign language teaching, English, and I2011, and is open to all Deaf students in the region and beyond. These courses have given other East African countries a model to follow, and many educators in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi have already shown interest in creating similar courses of their own. Two Deaf African project members, Marco Nyarko from Winneba University in Ghana and Bonnie Busingye from Kyambogo University, worked with academics at the iSLanDS Institute in Britain to develop teaching materials and resources for all courses. Mr Nyarko and Ms Busingye each visited the Institute for several months in 2009 and 2010. At iSLanDS, Principal Investigator Prof. Ulrike Zeshan and Project Co-ordinator Sam Lutalo- Kiingi, the first Deaf African to study for a PhD in sign linguistics, were keen to involve both academic institutions and Deaf organisations in the project. The Deaf Empowerment Foundation, based in the Project leader Sam Lutalo-Kiingi (with laptop) and his Netherlands, and the Ugandan National Association of interpreter Tamara Kovacova (at back) plan the training the Deaf are two of the NGO partners that have been programme for the Ghanaian summer school, with teaching involved. consultants Marco Nyako (second from left) and Francis Boison (far right).

12 News wfd members and partners

e said: “Most Africans think ‘going on a deaf studies course’ means travelling to Europe or America, which is very expensive. Now Deaf students have the wonderful Hopportunity of studying close to home. Africa now has its own hub for Deaf Studies, a ‘Deaf Pearl of Africa’, which can grow more layers, perhaps a Bachelor’s degree in years to come. Informal or short-course training, while beneficial, is not enough. Our ultimate goal is to create full-length university degree courses on which Deaf people can achieve recognised tertiary-level qualifications to match those of their hearing peers.” Mr Nyarko said: “The Ghanian students have been extremely grateful for the British Council funding and all the efforts of the iSLanDS Institute, in helping us Ghanaian project member Marco Nyarko filming sign language to design our region’s first sign language courses on material and editing videos in the sign language lab at the linguistic principles.”■ iSLanDS Institute For further information about the iSLanDS Institute and the project, see http://www.uclan.ac.uk/islands he project also marks the first time that academic conferences about sign languages By Sam Lutalo-Kiingi and Deaf studies have been held at universities in West or East Africa. The University of GhanaT in Accra hosted a conference from 12-13 July entitled ‘Deaf Education and Empowerment, The Role of the University: Past, Present and Future’. The 80 participants included policy makers, NGOs, civil servants, Deaf NGOs, and academics, as well as participants from Togo and the Ivory Coast. Kyambogo University hosted a conference from 17-18 September on the theme of using sign language in Deaf education. This conference attracted 80 Ugandans as well as 15 participants from the wider region, including Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and Zanzibar. rof. Zeshan and Mr Lutalo-Kiingi are thrilled at the successful conclusion of the project because it has given Deaf Ugandans and Ghanaians unprecedented access to university Peducation and professional development. Mr Lutalo- Kiingi stressed that Kyambogo University’s new Deaf The Ghanian Deaf students and their teachers celebrate at the Studies course particularly recognises the importance end of the two-week summer school. of sign language and Deaf culture.

Project leaders at the kick-off meeting in June 2009: (left to right) Proscovia Suubi Nantongo from Kyambogo University; Dr George Akanlig-Pare from the University of Ghana; Participants at the regional conference in Uganda on 17-18th Deborah Iyute Oyuu from the Ugandan National Association September at Kampala’s Fairway Hotel of the Deaf; and Bonnie Busingye from Kyambogo University

13 News wfd members and partners DENMARK Centre (DKC). This is also the address of Aalborg Sign Language club and the Elder Guidance for deaf in Aalborg community. Successful Jubilee conference The cutback could effect that Aalborg Sign Language club is forced to move away from their attractive premises. The offer of using DKC also covers wages for the staff in the centre and rent expenses. The cutback could therefore end up being a huge loss for Aalborg Sign Language club. Aalborg community is considering cutting away their Elder Guidance as well. Originally the community chose to establish the settlement even before Elder Guidance was established through Danish Deaf Association. 375 deaf in Aalborg will loose their network and Sing Language environment, if the community chose to close down Deaf Culture Centre. The elder citizen above 65 years will loose their elder guidance with danger of isolation, if Aalborg pulls through the massive cutback which has been forecasted on the handicap area. Photo: Rune Johansen Unfortunately deaf in Aalborg are not the only ones who are affected of the massive cutback. For many Due to the 75th Jubilee of Danish Deaf Association, years Horsens Deaf Club has had their own premises. a conference with the theme ”Recognition of Sign They are now forced to move to other premises, which Language” was held. All in all - 130 participants. they have to share with other clubs. There were three very inspiring presentations. Adam Kosa talked about how Sign Language was approved DDAs Labour Market Price as an independent language in Hungary, Elisabeth Engberg-Pedersen told about the development and future of Sign Language and finally Carol Padden The patron of Danish Deaf Association His Royal made a very fascinating presentation about how Sign Highness Crown Prince Frederik presented the price to Language had developed in a Bedouin tribe in Israel. the winners at Amalienborg. In the light of the work in the different workshops Karsten Urup and Lars Mose from Danish Crown during the conference, Danish Deaf Association are the winners of the price. will continue to fight for recognition of Danish Sign Dansk Erhverv, Center for the Deaf and Danish Deaf Language as an independent language. Association went through all the recommendations and the winner couple was found because they are an ideal example of a deaf and hearing colleague, who want to Sign Language dictionary in Danish Sign Language corporate – and not only at work. They have learned from each other and have made it spread. Lars Mose is joint union delegate and is kind of a “light house” at his job; In 2008 the first edition of the dictionary in Danish he is a good example of a colleague who has obtained Sign Language was put on the internet. The second knowledge about existing aid, has picked up some Sign edition of the dictionary has just become available on Language and encouraged others to do the same and due www.tegnsprog.dk. to his central position at this very big workplace, this The second edition offers improvements regarding will spread. On the other hand, due to his openness, user-friendliness. It is now possible to see all examples spirit and good communication skills, Karsten Urup of sentences with the current sign. In the first edition has managed to contribute to Lars´ development as the sentence “the cow is being milked” would only be communicator, which again benefits everybody, when shown under the sign “to milk”. In the second edition, the joint union delegate has announcements. ► you can also find it under the sign for “cow”. The third edition of the dictionary will be released in 2011 with even more signs.

Deaf threatened by cutback in the communities

Aalborg Sign Language club may be forced to close Deaf Culture Centre. The Elder Guidance to deaf in Aalborg is also in danger. In Aalborg community they are considering cutting down on the elder and handicap area. The community has to save 80 mill. DKK and are therefore considering cutting down their non statutory offers. One of the non statutory offers is Deaf Culture Photo: Steen Brogaard 14 News wfd members and partners DDA received many recommendations to the COTE D’IVOIRE labour market price from deaf and hearing colleagues in Denmark. It has not been easy to choose between rom September 30 to October 02 2010, a great the many good recommendations, where colleagues event, Forum for the Promotion of the Deaf have told about joy and challenges in the working life was arranged in Côte d’Ivoire. It was the first together. of this kind in the history of their country. It “It has been a great pleasure to receive so many Fwas successfully organized by the Association of the positive reports about cooperation and communication Deaf of Cote d’Ivoire with the kind support of ABILIS between deaf and hearing. With the labour market price FOUNDATION, Finland. ■ DDA wants to disseminate all good experiences from the labour marked, which hopefully will inspire colleagues Source: Association of the Deaf of Cote d’Ivoire and employers in Denmark”, Asger Bergmann says, Chairman of Danish Deaf Association.■ Source: Danish Deaf Association INDIA People with disabilities will be part of Census 2011, including people with multiple disabilities, which is included for the first time in India. ■ DOMINICAN REPUBLIC For details, please click on this link below:

2nd. Recreational Paralympics Deaf Festival, Santo http://www.indianexpress.com/news/in-a-first- Domingo, Dominican Republic census-2011-to-mark-people-with-multiple- disability/714741/ he National Association of the Deaf in the Dominican Republic (ANSORDO) and Source: Ghulam Nabi Nizamani, CEO PDPO / DPI Pak, India the Dominican Paralympics Committee organised the 2nd. Recreational Paralympics versionT of the Deaf Festival, at the Velodrome of Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, which was held on October 17, NEW ZEALAND 2010. ANSORDO belongs to the Regional Secretariat of Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean of the he Human Rights Commission / Deaf World Federation of the Deaf (RSMCAC). Aotearoa’s report, the Deaf Way, was launched Tommy Guzman, President of ANSORDO and on 29 November 2010 and has received the RSMCAC Coordinator, said the idea of Recreational support of New Zealand’s Human Rights Paralympics Deaf Festival is to promote the sport of Commission.T The report reiterates the needs of Deaf deaf people in our country, “because it is an effective community members and provides solutions for a way for the educational, sporting, cultural and social radically different approach to service delivery. The support for deaf people.” main areas highlighted as areas for action: positive This was an unprecedented event in the Dominican public awareness; communication support and access Republic, because, at least once a year is achieved (e.g. interpreting, equipment and captioning); and together over 1,000 deaf people in a single day, this was the high need for social services. The report says the incredibly spectacular. isolation and disempowerment experienced by deaf r. Gerardo Carrillo Naranjo, Director children and community members is both unnecessary of the RSMAC attended the event and tragic. Commissioner Judy McGregor says, “The as a guest and observer, said “We Commission supports the report’s view that there are were surprised so many deaf unmet needs that could be addressed so deaf people Mpeople who attended it all really was a success” are not invisible at school, at work and in communities.” Attended by more than 1,200 people around the country The Commission is particularly concerned about the and more are expected to attend next year more than availability of New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) 3,000 people across the country and other countries in interpreters, and how these services are funded. “We’ve the area. had reports recently of unqualified NZSL interpreters It was special thanks to the Orange Foundation in operating in high-risk environments, such as interpreting the Dominican Republic, who was the Official Sponsor for deaf people in courts. This is unacceptable. The of the event.■ review of NZSL should be given the highest priority,” says Dr McGregor. ■ Source: ANSORDO A copy of the Deaf Way report is available at: www. hrc.co.nz /hrc_new /hrc/cms /files/ documents /30- Nov-2010 _10-54-48 _ Deaf_ Way_ Report_ web. pdf

Source: World without Hearing Dec 2010 15 News wfd members and partners UKRAINE

Successfull leader course

ince 29th till 31st of October 2010 in the premises of Educational-Renovative Centre of the Ukrainian Deaf Society there were held, educational «Leader» courses with the aim of Sforming and developing among the non-hearing youth of their personal leadership skills, their activities and multifaceted participation in the life of the Society. In the courses 25 non-hearing young leaders from different districts of Ukraine took part: Yekaterina Rybkina (Symferopol); Sergei Shtym (Sevastopol); Catalan Sign Language Act approved. Yekateryna Machevska (Lutsk); Olga Petrova (Dnipropetrovsk); Sergii Bobrovsky (Donetsk); SPAIN Yevgenii Beznosikov (Makbyivka, Donetsky Region); Vasyl Belela (Zhytomyr); Nataliia Kostiv (Zakarpatska he Parliament of Catalonia (Spain) approved district); Alla Rybak (Ivano-Frankivsk); Viktoriia last May in Barcelona unanimously the Kyrychenko, Anzhela Tiutereva and Margarita Getsko Catalan Sign Language Act, a law which (Legansk) and others. recognizes that language as a linguistic system We express special gratitude to the presidents of ofT the deaf and deafblind and as a cultural heritage of district organizations of the Ukrainian Society of the Catalonia. Also this law regulates the learning, training Deaf, who had found financial assets for forwarding the and accreditation of teachers and ensuring their use in applied leaders for participation in the courses and also the Catalan government. we are grateful to the participants of other cities, who Catalunya is the first regional community that uttered their will to come here to study at their own recognizes this language with its own linguistic status. costs.■ Thus, this law becomes a very useful tool for those who have opted to use this natural language as a way of communication, training and information. The president of the Federation of the Deaf People of Catalunya (FESOCA), Antonio Martinez, told the SEYCHELLES media that “if for man when he stepped on the moon was a small step forward for Humanity, this recognition n Seychelles, October 7th marked a historical means to the deaf community that was a big step into a moment for the lives of Deaf children with real social inclusion”. opening the first Deaf school by President James The approval was unanimous: the 132 deputies voted Michel. The class is compounded with a newly in favour, none against and all those attending the plenary, Ibuilt mainstream school and it is fully equipped to both deputies and guests clapped in unison with hands cater for the needs of its students. Seychelles Deaf up. Below you will find the official video of the event: children had been attending school in a mixed disability http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dc6UjffcHe4■ environment but now they have their own class. How was this achieved? Thanks to the Association Source: Deaf Association of Catalonia, Spain of People with Hearing Impairment (APHI). APHI was launched in 2005 and one of their priorities was education. Like most developing countries, deaf population is very much neglected so APHI was determined to invest in education for Deaf people. APHI trained two deaf people and a hearing person to start the class by collaborating with the institute for the Deaf in Paris. APHI and the Ministry of Education are working on a plan to erect a proper building for the school by adding a hostel to cater for students who might come from other Seychelles Islands. APHI owes its success to all its members who are mostly Deaf people, sponsors, and the government of Seychelles. APHI wishes to express their gratitude for Deaf organizations continue obtaining equal rights for Deaf people. ■

Source: Anita Gardner, Chairperson Opening of the Deaf school in Seychelles 16 Books and Publications

HIS YESTERDAYS IN A CHANGING WORLD DEAF PEOPLE & HUMAN RIGHTS OF THE DEAF A report written by Ms Hilde Haualand, researcher This new book written by WFD Honorary Member, and Mr Colin Allen, project coordinator and report Dr Mervyn Garretson, is a memoir of living, loving assistant. and thriving in a microcosmic silent world of The “Deaf People and Human Rights” report is deafness. For more information about this book, do based on a survey that is, up until now, the largest visit this website: www.Xlibris.com knowledge database on the situation of Deaf people. The lives of Deaf people in 93 countries, most of SILENT MAGIC which are developing countries, are addressed. This biographical book profiles, written by Dr. The Swedish National Association of the Deaf Simon Carmel, a deaf magician and the general and the World Federation of the Deaf initiated the secretary of the World Deaf Magicians Society, survey, with funding from the Swedish Agency for fifty-nine deaf and hard of hearing magicians in the International Development Co-operation (Sida) United States, involved with the art of conjuring and the Swedish Organisations of Disabled Persons from the 19th to the 21st centuries. This book is International Aid Association (Shia). available to order through Dr. Carmel by email: The report is available on the WFD Website in [email protected] English and International Sign. You can also order a DVD of the report in International Sign for postage WHO – New Community-Based Rehabilitation fee (11 €). (CBR) guidelines If you wish to receive the DVD, please contact The new guidelines on Community-Based WFD General Secretariat Office atorders@ Rehabilitation (CBR) were launched at the 4th CBR wfdeaf.org. Africa Network Conference held in Abuja, Nigeria from 26 - 29 October 2010. The new guidelines are designed to empower persons with disabilities by supporting their inclusion in health, education, employment, social, skills training and other community services. The new CBR guidelines WFD MERCHANDISE were produced by the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Labour Office (ILO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and If you are interested in ordering items from WFD, such Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and International as DVD – Suggested International Signs for use at the Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC), WFD General Assembly, T-shirts (golf, woman and in close consultation with other key stakeholders ordinary), WFD Pins, water bottles, watches, pens and on disability and development globally. The caps, you can make an order through email, which is new guidelines provide guidance on using CBR [email protected] Here is the price list of the items: programmes to implement the UNCRPD in low and middle income countries and promote a strategy for community-based inclusive development. The Country Name-Sign book – 10 € guidelines help the shift away from excluding persons with disabilities from society, to a new approach that seeks to empower and include them in DVD – Suggested International Signs for use at the decision-making and promote dignity and rights WFD General Assembly – 30 € for all. More information: http://www.who.int/ disabilities/cbr/guidelines/en/index.html. DVD - Deaf People and Human Rights - 11 € COUNTRY NAME-SIGN A popular book published for WFD (2003) - Collection of data: Japan Institute for Sign Language Ordinary T-shirt (blue or white) WFD Logo on the Studies and Tomas Hedberg, Swedish National front – 10 € Association of the Deaf. The Country Name-Sign books are available in the WFD General Secretariat. If you would like to order a copy, please do contact WFD Pin – 2 € by email: [email protected] and then we will send you an invoice for payment of the order. WFD Cap – 5 €

17 COMING EVENTS

Education Culture Congress 27th Annual Pacific Rim International Theme: World Education - Arts, Sciences and Conference on Disabilities Education Culture Theme: Humanity: Advancing Inclusion, Equality Date: 12 – 15 January 2011 and Diversity Place: New Delhi, India Date: 18 -19 April 2011 Website: http://www.we-asc.org/home Place: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA Contact: Center on Disability Studies Supporting Deaf People online conference 2011 University of Hawaii at Manoa Theme: Rights, charity and control Ms. Charmaine Crockett Communication, Education and the Future 1776 University Avenue, UA 4-6 Date: 9 – 12 February 2011 Honolulu Hawaii 96822, USA Venue: Internet Telephone: +1 808 956 7539 CEUs: Up to 2.0 RID/Acet CEUs are available for Email: [email protected] this conference Website: http://www.pacrim.hawaii.edu/ For more information: http://www.online- conference.net/sdp2011/introduction.htm Business Convention and Expo of the Deaf Date: 8 – 12 June 2011 Place: Washington, DC Area, Reston, Virginia, USA 17th Winter Deaflympics Website: http://deafbusiness.org Date: 18 February – 26 February 2011 Place: Vysoké Tatry, Slovakia ISB8 – International Symposium on Bilingualism Contact: ul. Nová 4432/8 Date: 15 – 18 June 2011 031 01 Liptovský Mikaláš Place: Oslo, Norway SLOVAKIA Organiser: University of Oslo Email: [email protected] Contact: isb8-contact2iln.uio.no Website: www.deaflympics2011.com Website: http://www.hf.uio.no/iln/forskning/aktuelt/ arrangementer/konferanser-seminarer/2011/isb8/ 2nd Niigata Shuwaru Film Festival Date: 11 – 13 March 2011 1st International Deaf Lesbian Festival Place: Niigata-shi, Niigata prefecture, Japan Date: 22 – 26 June 2011 Contact: Niigata Shuwaru Film Festival Executive Place: Dublin Ireland Committee Contact: [email protected] Room 202 Rondoeru Bandai Website: www.irishdlf.ie 1-2-21 Bandai, Niigata-shi, Niigata Prefecture WASLI Conference 950-0088 Theme: Think Globally, Act Locally JAPAN Date: 14 -16 July 2011 Telephone: +81 25 250 1085 Place: Durban, South Africa Fax: +81 25 288 1244 Registration to the conference: http://www.wasli.org/ Email: [email protected] ThinkGlobally-ActLocally.htm Website: http://www.syuwaru.jp/english-page/ Website: http://www.wasli.org/registration-for- conference-14-16-july-2011-p94.aspx Deaf Film Festival Date: 31 March – 2 April 2011 16th World Congress of the WFD Place: Rochester, New York, USA Theme: Global Deaf Renaissance Contact: Stacey Lawrence, Director Date: 18 – 24 July 2011 [email protected] Place: Durban, South Africa Website: http://www.deafrochesterfilmfestival.org/ Telephone: +27 11 482 1610 Fax: +27 11 726 5873 Email: secretariat(at)wfd2011.com personalassistant(at)wfd2011.com Website: http://www.wfd2011.com

18 Deaf World Cruise 2013* along with *Miss Deaf 8th Deaf History International Conference International Events* Theme: Telling Deaf Lives: Biographies & Departure: Rome, Italy Autobiographies Arrival: Athens, Greece Date: 24 – 29 July 2012 Date: July 2013 (prior the 22nd Summer Place: Toronto, Canada Deaflympics in Athens, Greece. More information will be announced later More small exotic tours will also be offered prior very special Deaf World Cruise and after Deaf Nation World Expo Deaflympics.) Date: 29 July – 1 August 2012 Contact: Michael Ubowski Place: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Email: [email protected] Website: http://deafnation.com/dnwe/ By mail: Deaf Cruise 14700 North Frank Lloyd Wright 22nd Summer Deaflympics Boulevard #157, PMB #379 Date: 31 July – 13 August 2013 Scottsdale, Arizona 85260 Place: Athens, Greece Phone: +1 866 922 3090 Email: [email protected] Fax: +1 480 657 0744 Website: http://www.DeafWorldCruise.com If you know about an upcoming conference of regional or international interest, be sure to send us information about it for our Calendar of Coming events in WFD newsletter and also in the website.

19 Legal Seat – Helsinki, Finland WORLD FEDERATION OF THE DEAF An International Non-Governmental Organisation in official liaison with ECOSOC, UNESCO, ILO and WHO

PO Box 65, 00401 Helsinki, FINLAND FAX: +358 9 580 3572 www.wfdeaf.org President MARKKU JOKINEN Email: [email protected] APPLICATION FORM INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

I would like to become an INDIVIDUAL Member of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD).

Understanding that my application is subject to approval by the President or General Secretary of WFD, I give below reasons for my interest in membership.

If my application is approved, I agree to pay the membership fee fixed for Individual Members, which is currently 50, 00 € (EUROS) annually.

I understand that payment of the annual fee entitles me to receive the WFD NEWS magazine for one year, plus other information.

Name:______Address:______Country:______Email address: ______

I am DEAF / HARD OF HEARING / HEARING (Please circle which applies)

Reasons for interest in membership of the WFD: ______

Signature:______Date:______Mail or fax this form to: WFD General Secretariat PO Box 65 FIN 00401 Helsinki FINLAND Fax: +358 9 580 3572 Email: [email protected]