Parliamentary Secretary Justyne Caruana has attended a ceremony during which course certificates were awarded to those who successfully completed training in Maltese sign language. This was the first time such a course had been organised in Gozo.

It was made possible after the Parliamentary Secretariat for Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Active Ageing reached an agreement with the Gozo Association for the Deaf to provide free training in Maltese sign language. Finance was provided through the Secretariat.

Dr Justyne Caruana that this course testifies to the Government's commitment to the deaf in our country. "It was just a few months ago that our country recognised the Maltese sign language as an official language of our country, with Malta now joining several other European countries in the same position."

"This was also complemented by the creation of a new service by the Government of sign language interpretors which is provided by Agenzija Sapport," Dr Caruana said.

She added that subtitles were also introduced in the Maltese drama'Strada Stretta' so that it can be enjoyed by deaf people. This was through the collaboration of the Secretariat, the Culture Ministry, local producers and PBS.

The Parliamentary Secretary stressed to those present that it is "the Government's commitment to guarantee the rights of all disabled people, not least people who are hearing impaired."

Dr Caruana concluded by thanking and congratulating Mrs Carmen Grech who attended on behalf of the Gozo Association for the Deaf, for the Association's commitment in this field and said that she hoped for further cooperation between the parties concerned.

Photo: MFSS_PS

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