Assistance for the deaf
2010-01-28
Liezl Dyson
DEAF people now have an office which looks after their interests in Paarl. DeafSA, a non-government organisation, has opened an office at 367 Main Street, Paarl, to serve the Boland region under the auspices of their provincial office (Newlands) and supported by the Provincial Department of Social Development. They reach out to the deaf people by assisting them with social issues and basic services. The provincial DeafSA office in Newlands also offers workshops on issues like hearing aids, parental education, legislation, social grants, entrepreneurship, skills development, as well as health and family issues. According to Yvette Hermans, social auxiliary worker at DeafSA in Paarl, who is also deaf, the biggest hurdle deaf people face, is obtaining employment. “Deaf people struggle to find work because of their hearing problem.” A client, Salene Price of Paarl, says, “I am tired of looking for a job and people telling me that they will come back to me, but they never do. “I would really like to have the same opportunities as people who can hear.” Many of the people who go to DeafSA for help, feel that it is much easier for them to talk to a social worker who is also deaf, who communicates easily with them and understands what they are going through. They are relieved that Paarl now has its own DeafSA office. Previously they all had to travel via train to Cape Town to talk about their problems. Hermans said that they would also like to teach parents of deaf children and children of deaf parents how to do sign language so that communication within the family can improve. At DeafSA Paarl there is also an interpreter, Elaine Olivier, who can assist with communication with deaf people. She has been working as an interpreter for 21 years and has been with DeafSA Paarl for 9 months. If businesses or institutions need the help of an interpreter for deaf people they are welcome to contact Olivier in this regard. DeafSA has called on all the deaf people in the area to register at their office - children can also be registered. DeafSA aims to develop and maintain grassroot structures and projects for the empowerment of deaf people. They wish to promote the recognition of sign language as the official language, to develop curricula and training in South Africa Sign Language and interpreter services. DeafSA also strives to be the official representation channel between members of DeafSA and the government for the purpose of the equalisation of opportunities and full participation and integration of deaf people in society. For more information, contact DeafSA in Paarl on 021-870-1345.
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