Erbil's hearing-impaired community calls for greater sign language accessibility on international day

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - On International Day of Sign Languages, the hearing-impaired community in the Kurdistan Region is raising awareness about the need for greater sign language accessibility, particularly on television.

"Hearing-impaired individuals here want sign language interpreters on TV so they can understand the news and stay informed," said Nazanin Neshat, Director of the hearing-impaired Institute, in an interview with Kurdistan24.

"Not all TV channels may be able to provide interpreters, but teachers here have taken courses to learn sign language. To address this, we need more courses and training for those who want to understand sign language so that the hearing-impaired community is not deprived of access to world news and events," she said.

Sheno Aziz, speaking through sign language, expressed her desire for the annual recognition of the International Day of Sign Languages.

"We don't have interpreters on TV channels, and we cannot understand what's being said or what's happening. We demand that the news be translated into sign language," she conveyed.

Aziz also advocated for educational opportunities for the hearing-impaired community, enabling them to increase their earning potential after completing their studies.

The United Nations designated September 23rd as the International Day of Sign Languages to recognize the importance of sign language and the growing number of people with hearing impairments.

The date coincides with the anniversary of the founding of the World Federation of the Hearing-impaired in 1951.

Sign language is a non-vocal language used by people with hearing or speech disabilities to communicate and express themselves.

It empowers its users to engage in communication, exchange language, complete communication processes, express themselves, and understand others.

Further reporting was done by Kurdistan24 correspondent Shayma Bayiz.