The Nationalist Party is calling for an easier life for the hearing-impaired in an inclusive society, and is urging the Government to facilitate the learning of sign language.

Sign Up for Sign Language Rights is this year’s theme for the International Day of the Hearing-Impaired, aimed at enabling hearing-impaired individuals to actively participate in everyday life.

The PN said in a statement that through sign language, the hearing-impaired can communicate more easily with relatives, educators, and in the workplace, among others, thereby participating more effectively in daily life.

On the occasion of this day, the PN reiterated that those who need support and assistance due to hearing loss, and those who are in contact with them, should be encouraged to learn sign language from a young age.

“We are all aware of the benefits these individuals can enjoy if proper education is provided from an early age,” it said. The PN urged the Government to provide the necessary training to those who wish to teach sign language so that there are more interpreters in our country, something that facilitates the availability of an interpreter whenever needed.

The PN also encouraged the Government to facilitate the process for all those who wish to learn sign language, whether they themselves have hearing difficulties or are in contact with hearing-impaired individuals, particularly within their family. “We appeal for more direct government investment in technologies such as hearing aids,” it said.

It also encourage television stations to ensure that, where possible, every programme broadcast includes clearly readable subtitles.

The Nationalist Party went on to thank voluntary organisations like the Association for the Hearing-Impaired, as well as all those who work with dedication for the hearing-impaired.

The PN said that its ultimate goal is not only to raise awareness about hearing loss and make us conscious of the needs of these individuals, but also to encourage more services and resources for the hearing-impaired, promoting their access to them.

“We aim to provide more educational and work opportunities so that these individuals do not feel excluded from society and have equal access to various services and opportunities in life. This is with the aim of fostering better integration and a more inclusive society,” it said.

The PN concluded by saying that “inclusion should be at the forefront of the national agenda. Every step we take to reduce the obstacles faced by the hearing-impaired is a step towards a fairer and more equal society.”

The statement was signed by Graziella Galea Shadow Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering.

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