With Signs or Voice – The Importance of Understanding Each Other

Today marks International Sign Language Day, established by the UN General Assembly to promote the linguistic identity and cultural significance of all deaf individuals and other users of sign language.

“With sign language, deaf people express their opinions, views, emotions, and needs,” says Viktoria Volak, a sign language interpreter. According to her, in our country, the need for sign language interpreters is growing, but the number of qualified interpreters is not keeping pace. This places deaf individuals and sign language users in a challenging position, hindering their communication with institutions for daily tasks and depriving them of the chance for a quality life.

The National Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing lists 31 certified interpreters on its website. Half of them are based in Skopje, with cities such as Strumica, Veles, Kochani, Radovish, and Gevgelija lacking any interpreters.

Additionally, there is no data on the number of people who need sign language interpreters. Organizations working on issues related to disability and sign language interpreters hoped this information would be provided by the 2021 census. Unfortunately, despite their suggestions, questions that could determine the number of those in need of such a service were not included in the questionnaire.

“Today, worldwide, there is recognition and empathy for the deaf community, promoting and affirming sign language as part of society, equal to other languages,” says Viktoria. But is this enough? Civil organizations continuously call for a more serious and strategic institutional approach to this category of persons with disabilities. However, can a strategy be made if there is no data on the population in need of sign language?

Deaf people have the right to sign language and interpreter services. The profession of interpreters should be acknowledged as well as the right to access information in sign language.

Can we, as citizens, also do something to improve communication with our fellow citizens who use sign language?

“Hands That Speak” is one of the projects that can inspire people to learn sign language. As a result of collaboration between the Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing “Silence” from Karposh and the Boris Trajkovski International Foundation, supported by the Signo Foundation from Norway, the Dictionary of Macedonian Sign Language was created.

We also remind you of the “Same as Same” campaign by Civica Mobilitas grantees, the Macedonian Institute for Media and the National Council of Disability Organizations. Check out the story of Radmila and Martin to foster empathy toward people regardless of their abilities. Join today’s interactive youth event to celebrate International Sign Language Day.

SAY IT WITH HANDS – International Sign Language Day 2023 | Facebook