National Month of Deaf People

SEPTEMBER IS THE INTERNATIONAL MONTH FOR DEAF PEOPLE IN COMMEMORATION OF THE FIRST WORLD CONGRESS OF THE WORLD FEDERATION OF THE DEAF WHICH TOOK PLACE IN SEPTEMBER 1951.

The Deaf Federation of - recognising the right South Africa (DeafSA) of Deaf people to use and the South African SASL (South African Sign National Deaf Association Language) to ensure the (SANDA) both promote fulfilment of human rights, awareness of the rights which are civil (right to life), of Deaf persons in South political (right to particiAfrica. pate in society), economic

According to DeafSA, the (right to work), social (right theme of the 2020 National to be educated), cultural Month of the Deaf will be (right to belong to a cultural Reaffirming Deaf People’s minority and to use sign Human Rights. This year, languages) and collective they want all stakeholders (right to development and and affiliates to unite in self-determination) with the endorsement of the need to leading principles of equalsecure and promote the huity and non-discrimination.

Reaffirming Deaf isation, SANDA is at the People’s Human Rights forefront in promoting and advancing the rights of Deaf people at all levels of society. SANDA’s mission is to serve as an innovative, responsive and dynamic developmental Deaf organisation that consistently ensures the protection and promotion of the rights, needs and concerns of Deaf people in South Africa.

SANDA is dedicated to providing quality services, ensuring public accessibility and increasing awareness of issues affecting Deaf people at all levels in South Africa. SANDA was founded at an important moment in the history of South Africa, namely, the coming into being of a decade of a man rights of Deaf people! As an advocacy organ

democratic dispensation - ten years of post-apartheid government.

SANDA is known for and steadfast in: • Placing Deaf empowerment and self-representation at the heart of inclusive development. • Developing, advancing and promoting the status of South African Sign Language. • Cherishing the nurturing of talent and potential of Deaf people to succeed. • Developing Deaf community assets

For more information visit www.sanda. org.za or follow @DeafSA on Facebook.

According to SANDA, it is advisable that children should have their hearing tested several times throughout their schooling: • When they enter school • At ages 6, 8, and 10, • At least once during middle school • At least once during high school.