Activists want sign language taught in all schools

Activists under the Uganda National Association of the Deaf (UNAD) have asked Parliament to enact a law that compels all schools to teach sign language.

During the national celebrations to mark the International Day of the Deaf in Sembabule District on September 18, the Director of UNAD, Mr Robert Nkwangu, said with support of all leaders of persons with hearing impairment and organisations, they are preparing to table before Parliament a Bill on sign language inclusive education.

He said they want the government to help address the barriers that affect deaf people and ensure that sign language is taught in all schools. "Deaf persons have the same right to education like others, but many have been left out because of communication barriers," he said.

He said some deaf children have dropped out of school not because they are not intelligent but because there are no sign language interpreters in schools.