In support of Global Deaf Awareness month (September), DEAFinition, a non-profit company that provide a range of services and funding opportunities to promote equal access for the Deaf community of South Africa, have launched a number of services to promote learning South African Sign Language (SASL) and Deaf recruitment.
A ground-breaking milestone that DEAFinition have been instrumental in, is the development of an easily accessible SASL App that was officially launched on the 1st of September 2021. The SASL App is free and is available to download via Google Play and The App Store.
“The goal of this App is to bridge the communication gap between Deaf and the hearing by allowing people to simply search for a word or specific phrase on any mobile device that has the free App installed,” explains Shubnum Nabbi-Maharaj, DEAFinition Director.
DEAFinition provides expert advice and guidance on Deaf recruitment, workplace experience and relevant skills training. Their services include: Recruitment & Placement services, Interpreter Services, Accessibility Services, Educational Services and SASL courses.
“We have also recently launched an online course offering a basic introduction to SASL at a nominal cost of only R250 per person. The training is self-paced, allowing you to work through the content at your leisure. The link to the training is available for a month from date of purchase and on conclusion you are able to download a certificate of completion. This course is aimed at anyone who is interested in learning more about the Deaf community, their culture, and SASL signs to support everyday conversations,” adds Nabbi-Maharaj.
To register for the South African Sign Language online training, contact [email protected]
“In addition, international award-winning film producers, The Edit Room, partnered with us to create two short videos. The first, titled ‘Speak Out’ is a hard-hitting, authentic glimpse into the world of a Deaf person that effectively highlights the lack of access to services for Deaf people in South Africa and encourages people to learn Sign Language. The second video, aptly titled ‘Where do Deaf people work?’ provides an overview of the many industries in which Deaf people are employed and promotes the recruitment of Deaf people through DEAFinition.”
Both videos are available via You Tube and are on the www.deafinition.co.za website.
- Where Do Deaf People Work? https://youtu.be/lhJnnBDMLs8
- Speak Out! https://youtu.be/Po1xcgxR6qg (note: some viewers may find content distressing)
Socio economic development (SED) aims to bring unemployed youth into the mainstream economy and the National Development Plan (NDP) states that ‘persons with disabilities must have enhanced access to quality education and employment’.
With the largest number of SATI accredited interpreters in South Africa working as part of their team, DEAFinition’s straightforward recruitment process helps companies navigate the employment of a Deaf person whilst educating the company’s hearing staff on cultural differences and best practice.
“Companies who seize the opportunity to contribute towards economic growth and transformation by funding quality education and training of Deaf South Africans will also be eligible for tax rebates and various government incentives through their SED spend,” concludes Nabbi-Maharaj.
Photo credit: Antony Cousens Photography
