Malawi commemorated the International Week of Deaf People from September 21 to 27, a time to firmly declare that deaf people’s rights are human rights.
For many years, deaf people have faced barriers caused by a society that has often failed to provide accessible communication, inclusive services and equal opportunities.
A deaf person does not become less capable because they cannot hear, but when information, education, healthcare, justice, employment and public services are not accessible in sign language.
Communication is at the centre of every human activity: how we learn, work, access healthcare, seek justice, participate in elections, conduct business and build relationships.
For deaf people, Malawian Sign Language (MSL) is a language like any other—an essential tool for accessing rights and opportunities.
When a deaf patient cannot communicate with a health worker, their right to healthcare is compromised.
When deaf children cannot understand lessons in class, their right to education is compromised.
When a deaf person cannot understand court or police proceedings, their right to justice is compromised.
Therefore, providing sign language interpreters and accessible information is a matter of rights, equality and dignity.
Education is a strong foundation for a person’s future, yet many deaf learners continue to experience communication barriers in schools.
Inclusive education must mean more than simply placing a deaf learner in a classroom. The learner must understand the teacher, participate in lessons, ask questions, interact with classmates and demonstrate what they have learned.
Malawi requires continued investment in MSL training for teachers, interpreters and education support personnel, as well as appropriate learning materials and accessible examinations.
A deaf child deserves the same opportunity to dream, learn and succeed as every Malawian child.
This should extend to the world of work.
Every year, deaf people acquire academic qualifications and skills, yet this does not always translate into employment.
Deaf people are capable employees, so recruitment should be based on qualifications, skills and competence, not stereotypes.
Workplaces should also provide reasonable communication accommodations, including sign language interpretation.
Deaf people do not need pity, but opportunities. They must not be left behind.
Healthcare facilities, courts and other service providers need mechanisms for communicating effectively with deaf persons.
Health information should be available in accessible formats, including sign language.
Similarly, they should be able to report crimes, access police services, understand their legal rights and participate fully in court proceedings.
A justice system that a deaf person cannot understand or access cannot be described as fully inclusive.
Deaf people must be included in policymaking, disability programmes, education planning, employment initiatives and community development.
Organisations of persons with disabilities, particularly organisations representing deaf people, must ensure the experiences and priorities of the deaf community are heard.
The deaf community has knowledge, leadership, skills, opinions and solutions.
The push for inclusion should not end with International Week of Deaf People speeches, photographs and celebrations, but mark renewed commitment.
Government institutions, private companies, schools, hospitals, courts, media houses, churches and communities all have a role to play in removing communication barriers.
The media, in particular, can help change negative perceptions by telling stories that portray deaf people not as helpless, but as citizens contributing to the development of Malawi.
We must also recognise the importance of training more qualified sign language interpreters across the country so that deaf people can access essential services.
Deaf people’s rights and human rights. They have a right to quality education, healthcare, justice, employment, access to information, political participation, their language, dignity, equality and respect.
Sign language is not a privilege. It is a right.
Let us not merely celebrate international observances, but listen to the people behind the commemorations. Let us include them, empower them and remove challenges that prevent them from reaching their full potential.
