Sign Language illiteracy hampers access to essential services for Rwanda’s deaf community, advocates urge immediate action

By Elias Hakizimana.

On Monday, September 23, 2024, during the launch of the International Week of the Deaf in Kigali, Rwanda National Union of the Deaf (RNUD) raised alarm over the persistent challenge of sign language illiteracy, which continues to obstruct access to basic services for the deaf community.

Under the theme “Sign up for Sign Language Rights,” the week-long event aims to spotlight the struggles faced by deaf individuals in accessing essential services in education, health, transport, justice, and employment.

Despite efforts made by the government and RNUD to promote inclusivity for people with disabilities, sign language illiteracy remains a barrier to effective communication, leaving the deaf community at a disadvantage.

Speaking at the event, Augustin Munyangeyo, Chairman of RNUD, emphasized the need for stronger governmental efforts to enforce sign language education, noting that it is essential for bridging the gap between deaf individuals and essential services.

“No Rwandan can live happily while excluded,” Munyangeyo stressed. “The government needs to enforce sign language education as this language connects us to services. There’s a slogan in English, ‘None should be left behind,’ and as Rwanda develops, we deaf people need to feel involved and enjoy that development too.”

Challenges in accessing essential services

1. Education

Deaf individuals in Rwanda face significant challenges in accessing quality education due to the lack of sign language interpreters and specialized learning materials. Munyangeyo described the situation as a “failure of development,” stating that deaf students often drop out or underperform because of the communication barrier in schools.

      2. Healthcare

Healthcare remains another critical area where deaf people are disadvantaged.

Jean Damascene Bizimana, RNUD’s board advisor, expressed concern over the lack of privacy during medical consultations, where interpreters are often required to disclose confidential information on behalf of the patient. This intrusion, especially in cases involving sensitive issues like sexually transmitted infections, poses a significant ethical concern.

      3. Transport

The public transport system in Rwanda is not designed to cater to the needs of the deaf community. Miscommunication with bus and motorcycle taxi drivers often leads to conflicts, as described by Bizimana, who recounted his personal experience of a misunderstanding that escalated to the point of involving the police and the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB).

      4. Justice

Access to justice is another critical concern, with Bizimana highlighting cases where deaf individuals were wrongfully accused of crimes due to their inability to defend themselves in court. “Some deaf people face injustice and are jailed for nothing,” he said, describing incidents where real culprits falsely accuse deaf passengers of carrying illegal substances like cannabis during police checks.

       5. Employment

In the workplace, deaf individuals face prejudice and exclusion during recruitment processes, often having to hire and pay for interpreters themselves to participate in job interviews. Employers are reluctant to hire deaf workers due to communication barriers, further limiting opportunities for the deaf community to secure employment and contribute to Rwanda’s growing economy.

Advocacy and solutions

RNUD has made some strides toward promoting sign language literacy, including the establishment of training programs for parents of deaf children and community members who wish to learn sign language.

Additionally, RNUD developed a sign language dictionary, which expanded from 1,000 to 3,000 words, in partnership with the government. However, this updated version has yet to be approved by parliament, leaving the deaf community waiting for its formal adoption.

Djanathi Umuhoza, RNUD Project Manager, shared the particular struggles faced by deaf women, especially in education and employment. She also highlighted cases where deaf girls were sexually assaulted but lacked access to justice due to communication barriers.

“We request the government to consult and involve us when dealing with issues of persons with disabilities. We know their challenges better than anyone else,” Umuhoza said, urging for more active engagement from policymakers to address the unique needs of the deaf community.

RNUD currently operates sign language schools in seven branches across 23 districts in Rwanda, offering free classes for families of deaf children. Community members who wish to learn sign language can also join the classes for a minimal fee.

The organization continues to advocate for more comprehensive sign language training for public servants, including police, healthcare workers, and drivers, to ensure better access to essential services for the deaf.

As Rwanda pushes forward with its development goals, the deaf community remains hopeful that they will not be left behind. The call for improved sign language literacy is not just about communication; it’s about inclusion, equity, and ensuring that every Rwandan can access the services they need to live fulfilling lives.

The week-long initiative will conclude in Rubavu District on Friday, September 27, 2024, where a series of activities will take place, including training sessions for government officials in sign language. These efforts are aimed at equipping public servants with the necessary skills to better serve the deaf community, furthering the advocacy for sign language literacy and inclusion across all sectors in Rwanda.

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