International Week of the Deaf 2024

FAME Foundation, an NGO based in Abuja, joins the world in celebrating the International Week of the Deaf. This annual celebration raises awareness about the rights and challenges faced by the deaf community. IWDeaf promotes the importance of sign language and advocates for equal access and opportunities for deaf people globally. It serves as a reminder of the need for inclusivity and understanding in all aspects of society.

This year’s theme, “Sign Up for Sign Language Rights,” highlights the importance of sign languages as tools for communication and self-expression. Sign languages are fully developed languages that facilitate social and cognitive growth for deaf people. Advocating for their use is important for creating an inclusive environment that allows deaf individuals to participate fully in society.

In line with its commitment to empowering people with disabilities, FAME Foundation’s HerSTEM Initiative equips women and girls, especially those with disabilities, with skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). By providing training and resources in these fields, HerSTEM helps break down barriers that limit career opportunities for women with disabilities.

The International Week of the Deaf serves as an opportunity to emphasize the role of technology in improving accessibility for deaf people. FAME Foundation encourages the adoption of technological tools that enhance communication, such as hearing aids, among others. Ensuring these resources are widely available and affordable will help create a society where no one is left behind due to a lack of communication support.

Learning sign language is a step toward building a society where deaf and hearing individuals can coexist with mutual respect and understanding. As Friedmann stated, “Hearing people can learn sign language, but deaf people cannot learn to hear.” This statement serves as a reminder of the importance of communication efforts from the hearing community.

As we reflect on IWDeaf 2024, FAME Foundation calls for continued collaboration across sectors to ensure the rights of people with disabilities, especially the deaf community, are respected.