Breaking the SILENCE . . . heading the call to be HEARD
“We hear as One: Defying Communication Barriers For the Empowerment of Deaf Persons”
In accordance with DILG’s Memorandum Circular No. 2020-148 on the 28th Deaf Awareness Week, the Local Government Unit of Pilar, led by Municipal Mayor Carolyn “Sweet” Sy Reyes, encourages the Barangay Local Government Units (BLGUs) within the area of jurisdiction to take cognizance in the significance of the observance of Deaf Awareness this coming November 10 to 16 which aims to forge a locality that will empower persons with deaf disability to enjoy productive lives.
The observance this year underscores the importance of information to make the lives of persons with deaf disability considerably, productive and happy, like that of other persons that surround them. It also focusses on raising the awareness of people in the community on the preventive action in order to realize that causes can be prevented and that early detection could be of great help.
This year, Pilar is implementing DOLE’s TUlong PAnghanapbuhay sa ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) and we decided to provide such emergency employment opportunity to some of them who could meet the qualifications set by the said program. This intervention program is perceived to change their lives in which tradition convicts them to stay at home, spared from the rest of the people in the community, confined in a hollow space of silence day in and day out. The 17-day-work outside their homes, in association with other workers, will give them a feeling of belongingness and enjoy the same right like other persons have.
One of them is a 32 year-old male from Barangay Danlog, this municipality who, from the very start spent his entire life inside their abode, no schooling since his first few months in Grade 1 due to bullying, his parents gave up to let him enjoy his right to education and just allow him to find the glory that is inside a home.
Everything about it will eventually change, this man who was found out having mental issues aside from being deaf and mute will free himself from the shackles of inadequacy in terms of information that there is life outside their home, that opportunity is open for all those who are willing to try and to be a part of it, that life isn’t fair at all nor cruel at times, it could be very welcoming to whoever you are and whatever your situation be… only if you know and there are those who let you know about it.
Information about the program was given to the mother, who in return accommodated the program for her son and gave her full support. After complying the requirements, her son was included in the list of beneficiaries who will be working disinfection and sanitation jobs in the community. This man finds another avenue of proving himself worthy of chances to make his life at par with those enjoying the laurels of the world.
The story of this man is not new or different from the situations and experiences of many of the Persons With Disabilities. Research suggests that deaf people face a considerable amount of discrimination. Taking a course of action within local services can become pivotal in dismantling the barriers faced. We, as a community, should take the initiative to empower and motivate them. The right to information is a basic human right, basic for everyone to exercise and make cognizant opinions as independent persons. A lack of access to information, on various levels such as political, social, economic, and religious affairs is what we need to address.
In a conversation made with an advocate of PWDs’ rights connected with a Non-Government Organization, the need to train the household people, the parents, specifically, on Sign Language and Interpretation is imperative if we are really serious enough to give the deaf people access to information. We should start empowering them at an early age, by doing so, the benefits will be struggling. It’s good to know that we have television programs with Sign Language Interpreter, it makes all the visuals clearer and understandable for them. Broadcast Media, on the other hand, is not attempting to make the information understandable and accessible to this sector. We can accommodate their needs by implementing the right support to help them achieve their potential. Don’t label, instead, let them interact in a way a hearing person would. Let them communicate for themselves, we can encourage them to ask for support if they would like it, but don’t assume they need it. All in all, treat a deaf person like anyone else, just add in some necessary adjustment to communication so that everyone will feel empowered. As Sabina Iqbal said, “The key to empowerment for those who are marginalized, is having access to information to enable them to live an ordinary, or even extraordinary life.”
