Total inclusion is a must

   Recently the number pf persons with hearing impairment moving from rural to urban areas in the North West Region have increased remarkably especially due to the sociopolitical crisis. Most of the time these persons especially women who are more  vulnerable need to access various services for humanitarian assistance. Communication  is always a huge problem especially as deaf persons communicate using the sign Language. The worst case scenario is at humanitarian aid distribution sites as they can't hear a single announcement and even their names when they are being called up.

   As someone who is so passionate and committed about disability justice, i am offering my services Voluntarily and sometime with very little motivation just to ensure our deaf sisters are not left out in various activities in my community. It takes a lot of energy and time but that am willing to do joyfully. It saddens me to see how much these women are left behind simply because of their disability,  a thing they did not opt for.               Women's day is by the corner. Organisations and individuals are planning various activities but i wander how many of them have considered hiring sign language interpreters to accommodate women with hearing impairment? These women do have the right to also benefit from all these programs.  We can't be talking about total inclusion when we consciously or unconsciously leave out one category of disability persons with hearing  impairment) in our actions.

   I call on all stakeholders to take up their responsibility to make sure no one is left behind! Let's be more intentional in including persons with hearing impairment in our activities especially humanitarian actions through the availability of sign language interpreters in all events so these persons  can  have access to information . Remember sign language rights are human rights!!!!