THE Coordinator of Deaf Education Programmes at the Department of Special Education of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Dr Daniel Fobi, has commended the Nsawam Road Church of Christ for its sustained efforts at promoting deaf inclusion within the church community.He said the church's efforts, such as incorporating sign language interpretation into its services and celebrating Deaf Awareness Month, demonstrated a true commitment to embracing all people regardless of their communication differences.Dr Fobi made these remarks on Sunday at the Nsawam Road Church of Christ during the climax of its Deaf Awareness Month celebration.Sharing personal experiences, he stressed the importance of empathy, love, smiles, and patience, qualities he described as universal languages necessary for fostering true inclusion.He explained that over 95 per cent of deaf people were born into hearing families, saying, "who neither understand sign language nor initially accept their child's condition.""Our brothers and sisters who are deaf face multiple barriers.
Language deprivation, lack of early intervention, and the absence of sign language in many schools and churches leave them excluded from society," Dr Fobi lamented.He also bemoaned the fact that many schools for the deaf in Ghana did not have sign language on their official curriculum, leading to confusion and frustration among students who often rely on peers to learn basic communication.According to him, inclusion goes beyond simply having deaf people present in church, saying it required structural changes, such as giving prominence to interpreters during services and ensuring accessible communication at all levels of church life."In a special congregation, the interpreter must watch and engage.
Closing their eyes breaks the communication link," he explained.Additionally, Dr Fobi urged churches to move beyond token gestures and embrace deeper forms of inclusion that empowered deaf people spiritually, socially, and emotionally. BY STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG
