Nakuru youth embrace sign language to promote inclusion
Dominic Ruto during the interview on September 15, 2024.
If everyone knew how to communicate using sign language, we could break down language barriers and connect with each other more effectively.
When Liz Muthoni enrolled in a free sign language course, her goal was to bridge the communication gap with deaf people. Although she admits that learning sign language isn't easy, she finds the experience enjoyable.
Liz Muthoni a sign language student.
"I've always wanted to take sign language classes because I'm fascinated by how seamlessly deaf people communicate. I wanted to be part of bridging that gap," she explains.
Describing herself as an extrovert, Muthoni recalls a moment when she was in a group and engaged with everyone. But when she spoke to one person, they didn't respond.
"I am a very social person. It happened that I was in a new group and I really wanted to talk to one person, but they didn't respond. It wasn't until someone came and signed for them that they responded," she recalls.
Since then, Muthoni has been motivated to improve her skills by attending a sign language class.
Similarly, Njeri Gabriel, a paramedic, joined the course to better communicate with her deaf colleague and ensure smoother communication in the workplace.
Njeri Gabriel a sign language student.
"It is usually a challenge to communicate with my deaf colleague. Sometimes I have to use my mobile phone to text him when I need something done," she says.
Njeri notes that this process often slows down her work. But she believes that learning sign language will not only improve efficiency, but also show her colleague that he is valued and included in the team.
Dominic Ruto, a sign language trainer, explains that the free classes were organised as part of Deaf Awareness Month. Although the initial turnout wasn't as high as expected, he remains hopeful that more people will come in the coming days.
"Learning sign language is essential to improve communication with the deaf and to increase the number of interpreters. At the moment, many deaf people have to pay for an interpreter when they need services," says Ruto.
He emphasises that these courses are a step towards greater accessibility and inclusivity for the deaf community.
"Deafness is an invisible disability. Many people don't know that someone is deaf unless it is made clear. Learning sign language helps others to understand the daily experiences and challenges that Deaf people face. It shows that Deaf people are capable of everything except hearing," he says.