The Persons with Disabilities Advisory Council (PWDAC), in collaboration with the National Association of the Deaf Lesotho (NADL), has begun a two-day training for members of the National Sign Language Committee (NSLC).
The workshop that commenced yesterday and ends today is aimed at strengthening efforts to implement sign language in Lesotho.
It also seeks to equip committee members with the knowledge and skills to distinguish between sign and spoken languages, deepen their understanding of Deaf culture and advocate for the effective implementation of sign language.
The first day of the training focused on understanding Deaf people, Deaf identity and community, as well as Deaf culture and the role of sign language in promoting inclusion.
Participants also discussed visual communication, Deaf etiquette, attention-getting techniques and working with sign language interpreters.
The session further provided an opportunity for Deaf adults to share personal experiences, highlighting challenges within the education system and gaps in service delivery.
The committee comprises representatives from the Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities, the National University of Lesotho, Vodacom Foundation, ministries of Police, Social Development and Education, including the National Curriculum Development Centre and Special Education Unit, as well as the National Assembly.
