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From:TheBahamasWeekly.com Bahamas Information Services Updates
NASSAU, The Bahamas – Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell, told House Members, Wednesday (November 6), that the legal recognition of national sign languages as official languages is critical for the inclusion of persons who are deaf and hard of hearing in their societies. Minister Campbell then announced that plans are underway for the facilitation of a multi-purpose centre that will offer Sign Language Classes for Adults who are either Deaf or Hard of Hearing, through the Ministry of Education. Sign language classes are already being offered for children who are deaf and hard of hearing at the Centre for the Deaf. The students simultaneously participate in the national curriculum as set forth by the Ministry of Education. Minister Campbell’s intervention signaled the start to the observance of November as Deaf Awareness Month in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. The Social Services Minister was accompanied to the House of Assembly by Administrators, staff and students of the Centre for the Deaf; members of The Bahamas Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, stakeholders and partners. Minister Campbell made a plea to parents and guardians of all children who are hearing impaired, to take advantage of the services being offered at the Centre for the Deaf to ensure that “not one child is left behind.”
Minister Campbell pledged his, and the government’s support, for a better life for the deaf and hard of hearing. “Sign language is necessary for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to participate fully in their communities and to ensure the full realization of their human rights,” Minister Campbell told his Parliamentary colleagues. “We, as the Government, through the Centre for the Deaf, are doing our part to ensure that all children who are hearing impaired are taught Sign Language. I wish to invite parents and guardians of all children who are hearing impaired, but are not yet taking advantage of what is being offered, to please do so. Minister Campbell said the legal recognition of Sign Language as an official language, will aid -- with the implementation and realization of the rights outlined in the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the 2030 Agenda (Sustainable Development Goals, 2030) -- in making the mottos: ‘Nothing About Us, Without Us’ and ‘To Leave No One Behind,’ a reality. “Despite activities being held in November, I am especially pleased impressed that The Bahamas Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is already on board with the United Nation’s International Day of Sign Languages, which is necessary for the deaf to participate fully in their communities and to ensure the full realization of their human rights. “As the Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, I pledge the Ministry’s support. I pledge, the Government’s support to leave no one behind. I pledge my support for a better life for the deaf and hard of hearing,” Minister Campbell added.
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