[lg policy] Swaziland: UNISWA introduces Sign Language

[Harold Schiffman]

UNISWA introduces Sign Language
17 November, 2009 10:00:00 By Calsile Masilela

THE University of Swaziland, Department of African Languages and
Literature is in the process of introducing a Sign language and
Braille course. This was revealed by Dr. Eric Sibanda, a lecturer
under this department yesterday at Mbabane Government Hospital during
the  training of medical practitioners. Dr. Sibanda said the
introduction of the Sign Language was not immediate as there were a
number of things to be considered before the start of the programme.
He said it would require qualified personnel such as professors who
were well-versed in this course. He otherwise explained that as people
who had studied languages, they were happy about the initiative being
made by the Deputy Prime Minister’s office in relation to the needs of
disabled persons in Swaziland.

“For quite a long time issues pertaining to people with disability
were neglected and the government was too quiet about it hence the
unavailability of many people with Sign Language understanding,” he
said. He said it was high time stakeholders viewed Sign Language as a
language and not a challenge because it was one way used by people
with disability to communicate like everyone else. On the other hand,
Dr. Sibanda said the university was going to look into the issue of
accreditation of the training embarked on by the disability unit under
the department of social welfare in the DPM’s office. “These would
also depend on the preparations towards the introduction of the course
in Sign Language and Braille by the university for people who have
been trained could receive certificates, diplomas and so forth,” he
said.

He further said the absence of a language policy in Swaziland also
affected the implementation of language related programmes. He said
there was no restriction in terms of language; people were free to
speak and learn any language as they please thus letting down the
native language of this country. Deputy Director of Health Services
Dr. Vusi Magagula said government committed itself and signed the
convention on people living with disability that stipulates the right
to education right to health, among others. He said the right to
health pronounces access of health services by people with disability
without discrimination on the basis of disability.

http://www.observer.org.sz/index.php?news=9028
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