By: Dadson A. Musa
“Disability is not inability,” they say and in Sierra Leone the plight of perons living with various forms of disability is a rallying call for equality. So, at this year’s day of the deaf people observed in Bo the call for their voices and rights to be heard got louder. The deaf people marched through the major streets of Bo city and converged at the Sir Milton Margai Chelshire home to thrashed things out and hear themselves out. Chaired by Abdul Sheriff, leader of Disability Inclusion- Sierra Leone the event got to an optimistic start. ” I am grateful to Sight Savers for making this event a possibility and for making sacrifices for persons with disabilities especially the deaf.” On their part, World Hope International rep reminded the gathering of the theme of the day; ” Declaring Deaf Peoples’ Human Rights.”
And went on to say that ” sign language is an important culture and part of deaf people’s human rights.” He went on that access to sign language and effective communication is key for deaf people. And that World Hope remains committed to ” inclusion.” The national president of the deaf, Alhaji Mohamed Rahman disclosed that ” deaf people’ s business is close to my heart which is the reason i travelled to Bo to attend the event even when i am berieved.” That they are gathered as one family to report the way forward, including making sign language for deaf people to have access to ” visible and clear road signs to avoid or minimize road accidents.” He also thanked Sight Savers International for sponsoring this year’s event. “I vow to work with deaf people and all organizations promoting their best interests and also urge training facilities for sign language interpreters.” On his part, Idrissa, representing Sight Savers told the gathering that they “…. are ready to continue giving needed support.
And the rights of deaf people to education, health care and road safety to clear the barriers to policy making and inclusion.” In his keynote address, the chairman and chief commissioner of NCPD (National Commission of Persons with Disability), Brima Abdul Sheriff declared that “deaf peoples’ human rights are key and include effective communication, effective participation and ensuring of their human rights which do not leave room for discrimination.” He called for education, health, employment and justice for deaf people. Commissioner Sheriff insisted that 60% of staff at the commission must be persons with disabilities to enhance inclusivity. Speaker after speaker emphasized similar notes around deaf people enjoying their rights and living in dignity. It was climaxed by the giving of an emotional vote of thanks by Ramatu Theresa Sesay.
