Concerns have been raised over the neglect of deaf community in employment opportunities in Busia County, especially the sign language interpreters.
The deaf community in the county have had to bear the challenge of missing key information and services due to communication barriers.
Through their caucus, they have urged employers to ensure there are sign interpreters in every office to help the deaf people.
Speaking during the deaf awareness day at Mundika Special School for the Deaf in Busia County, Metrine Wamalwa ,County Director for disability services-National Council for Persons with Disabilities, regretted that the deaf community has been experiencing difficulties due to barriers in communication, resultantly denying them opportunity for jobs.
The county director also disclosed the worrying trend where there have been reported cases of defilement of deaf children within the region.
“In cases such as defilement, it is difficult for these children to explain themselves to be understood because of lack of interpreters in our offices, hence their rights often gets abused without proper attention,” she disclosed.
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She also called on the county government to put more effort into supporting the national government and NGOs to help persons with disabilities.
“I want to urge the county governments to step up and work closely with the national government and NGOs to support persons with disabilities. Much work has been left to the national government which should not be the case” she said.
Ruth Nyange, head teacher Mundika Special School, thanked the national government for supporting the CBC education in the school while also appealing for the establishment of a secondary school for the deaf at the school.
“I want to thank the national government because it has given us one class for grade 9 and also ensuring these students continue with their grade 10 education in this school,” she said.
She further urged the county governments to employ sign interpreters in vocational training so that children can be enrolled.
“The nearest vocational training for the deaf children is in Homabay County and most of the time it is far for many of our children when they finish form four. I want to urge our vocational training centres to consider having interpreters who will help to interpret the curriculum to the learners from the deaf community,” she said.
Douglas Wanyama, a deaf teacher with the help of an interpreter, urged the government to listen and help persons living with disabilities to get employment.
“I am a teacher by profession but since 2018 I have not been employed by TSC. I am not feeling good about it as a deaf person. I am appealing to the government to listen and help us,” he said.
By Erick Nyayiera
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