Celebrate 'Talk Sign Day' by learning a few words
This year's 'Talk Sign' campaign centers around "Let's bridge the gap" and is aimed at ensuring that all people in society become aware of sign language.
Today we celebrate 'Talk Sign Day', an initiative of the KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society. The project is in its fifth year and is aimed at educating people about sign language.
The President of the KZN Blind and Deaf Society had this to say;
It is a human right of every person who is Deaf to be able to communicate - to understand others and to be understood. We all need to communicate with each other. Imagine how lonely it must be when you don't understand what the people around you are saying and, no-one understands what you are trying to say? This is how people who are Deaf feel, around those who don't understand South African Sign Language (SASL). We need to make Sign Language South Africa's 12th official language, not only for people who are Deaf but for everyone's benefit.
I have had a little experience with a difficulty in communication, as my twin boy Rocco was born with a 'tongue tie' - both top and bottom (Sometimes the sides of the tongue will rise but the center of the tongue will stay on the floor of the mouth). He didn't talk for the first two years of his little precious life. After a little operation, his tongue and upper lip were released and he started to communicate.
Read: Hundreds of staff at KZN Health learn sign language
For someone who is hearing impaired, life without sound must be lonely, but with the help of sign language, quality of life can be improved.
It's so inspiring seeing movements like this, making the world a better, kinder place. I encourage each and every one of you to get behind this campaign, as you never know whose life you could be changing with just a small bit of kindness.
Read: Learn the alphabet in sign language ahead of World Hearing Day
Get your 'Talk Sign' stickers for R10 each and wear them on 'Talk Sign Day', which is today. The society has also just launched their first ever sign language guide, 'Talk Sign 1', that can be ordered for only R165 (plus R60 courier fee).
Sign language has been considered an official home language, and this is amazing! Come on, let's all get signing today.
It's not too late to purchase a sticker to support this life-changing cause. For more information, contact Chrisantha on 031 - 309 4991, [email protected] or visit www.talksign.co.za for more information.