Speaking on Thursday at a press briefing held at the GADHOH head office in commemoration of the International Week of the Deaf, Mr Loum explained that “disability groups have been waiting painfully and patiently in silence hoping to see developments which would bring positive changes to the lives of PLWD. The Government and society continue to express sympathy and good intentions while making promises of bringing development to us but to no avail. We even want to celebrate our special week with our fellows but due to lack of funding, we couldn’t.”
He added that the week is celebrated annually by the Global Deaf Community on the last week of September by promoting awareness of the human rights of deaf people and sign language.
“The occasion calls for participation and involvement of various stakeholders including families, peers, Governmental bodies, professional sign language interpreters and organisations of Persons with Disabilities,” he mentioned.
Mr Loum expressed that the ratification of the UNCRPD and the creation of disability laws in The Gambia means nothing to them if they are not backed by action.
Lamin Ceesay, development officer of GADHOH, also explained that the society and the Government should recognise and promote the national sign language of The Gambia.
“Together, we can sign onto a declaration of support for sign language as an essential human right for deaf people,” he said.
Adama Jammeh, chairperson of GADHOH Female Wing, said deaf people should be given access to education especially those in the provinces while adding that they are at a lesser advantage.
