Today, as the world celebrates Sign Language Day, it's crucial to acknowledge institutions that have embraced Kenya's constitutional mandate to include people with disabilities in all aspects of life.
One standout example in the field of sign language dissemination is Signs Media Kenya Limited (SMKL), with a significant number of sign language interpreters and Deaf professionals employed.
Signs Media has also extended its services online through the assistALL app, available for free download on Google Play and the Apple App Store. For a small fee, users can get instant access to a professional sign language interpreter anytime, anywhere.
The company further supports the Deaf community by providing educational content and media work on their YouTube channel, SignsTV Kenya (https://www.youtube.com/@signstvkenya), and their Facebook page, Signs TV (https://www.facebook.com/signstvkenya/).
In a move to advance disability mainstreaming, Signs Media has partnered with county governments to offer free sign language services in various hospitals through the assistALL app, ensuring that medical care is more accessible for all.
Beyond the media, the religious sector is also making notable strides. Many churches are leading a heartwarming movement to include Deaf Christians in their worship services.
St. Andrew's Church and the Presbyterian Church of East Africa in Nairobi, for instance, now provide sign language interpretation during their services.
This allows Deaf congregants to actively participate in the spiritual life of the church and understand the sermon's message through a visual medium.
In the Catholic Church, a significant step has been the translation of Mass into Kenyan Sign Language, which enables Deaf individuals to fully celebrate the Eucharist and connect more deeply with their faith.
The Anglican Church has also made great strides by establishing Deaf ministries across the country. These specialized groups focus on meeting the unique spiritual needs of the deaf community.
Lastly, Jehovah's Witnesses have been widely recognized for their extensive efforts in translating their religious content into numerous international sign languages. They hold the distinction of publishing the world's first complete Bible in American, Brazilian, Mexican, and Russian Sign Language.
Their commitment to accessibility is further demonstrated on their official website, jw.org, which offers a vast collection of Bible-based material in over 100 different sign languages.
Tags: Ksl AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE KISE Kslia SignsTV Kenyan Sign Language KSLIA Editor's Pick
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Selestine Nyongesa
Experienced and versatile writer, dedicated to using my exceptional writing and editing skills to inform and advocate. My work focuses on educating and entertaining readers on a range of topics, with a particular expertise in matters of disability.