- Association lobbies President for ‘hearing impaired’ Centre
In an effort to ensure that measures can be put into place to enhance the lives of persons who are ‘hearing impaired’, representatives of the Deaf Association of Guyana met with Head-of-State President David Granger yesterday to discuss the way forward in this regard.
The President of the Deaf Association, Sabine McIntosh, stated that her organisation is placing much focus on improving the conditions for those who are suffering from hearing impediments in Guyana especially in their access to education and other vital social services in the country.
INews understands that she emphasised the need for a hearing impaired centre which would provide a social space for persons under this category and augment the Deaf Association’s ability to provide training and guidance to parents of children who suffer from hearing impediments.
McIntosh also pointed out that there is need for service providers, particularly in the health care system, to access interpreting services so as to facilitate “easier communication.”
Additionally, there should be interpreters who can be viewed on television during important public service announcements and broadcasts to cater for the hearing impaired population, she said.
At present the Guyana Deaf Association has over 200 registered members, inclusive of youths. It aims to represent the interests of the entire hearing impaired population.
INews also understands that this Association is registered under the Friendly Societies Act, but is in the process of transitioning to a non-profit organisation for which a board of directors will be appointed.
