Lobby seeks favour for the disabled

 

“The deaf cannot present grievances clearly because they cannot communicate like others. This could be the reason their problems have not received much attention from” Ms Rafiki Msafiri. Deaf  Asociation, Ms Rafiki Msafiri 

By Zephania Ubwani The Citizen Reporter  

In Summary

• In many districts, the deaf have been neglected and are not involved in discussing the budgets

Arusha. People who have problems with hearing want the government to address problems facing the disabled. They are also pushing for a review of the requirements of people with special needs so that they get a place in the envisaged new Constitution.

Speaking at a training workshop here, they said  communication problem was the main reason facing the deaf,  for they don’t get the chance to participate effectively in making crucial decisions about their lives and their country.

“The deaf cannot present grievances clearly because they cannot communicate like others. This could be the reason their problems have not received much attention from” lamented an official of the Deaf  Asociation, Ms Rafiki Msafiri.

She said the problem has been compounded by the shortage of sign language experts. The use of sign language can also enable those with hearing disabilities to conduct their activities like those who are noarmal, she added.

The training was organised by the Arusha Branch of the Tanzania Deaf Association (Chavita) and was sponsored by the Foundation for Civil Society. It attracted representatives of the deaf from all the districts in Arusha Region.

The official said the deaf could not make close follow ups of the budgetary processes in their respective districts because of their impediment.

Ms Msafiri added that in many districts, the deaf have been neglected and are not involved in discussing the budgets or other matters pertaining to their situation. “These people cannot demand their rights because of such major handicap,” she pointed out.

Getting involved in training in matters touching the society can empower the deaf and other disabled people in general to feel that they are part of the society.

The Chavita official noted that the involvement of the disabled in planning can influence decision makers in the local authorities to allocate funds to support them in several aspects including providing the appropriate working tools.

A trainer, Mr. John Maukiri pleaded with the stakeholders to recognise the role and potential of the deaf and other people with disabilities in the national development process, noting that it was pitty some people still looked at them differently.

He called on the electronic media to ensure they have intepreters for their different programmes, especially the news broadcasts, for the deaf people. They all televsion stations in Kenya have intepreters for the disabled people but this was not always the case in Tanzania.

However, neirther the officials at the training nor the national umbrella organization, can give the estimated number of the deaf in Arusha region or Tanzania.