September marks International Month for Deaf People, a time dedicated to promoting awareness of the rights of deaf individuals and highlighting the challenges faced by more than four-million South Africans who are deaf or hard of hearing.
This year’s theme, “Sign up for Sign Language Rights”, serves as a timely reminder of the importance of inclusivity and the responsibility of all South Africans to learn sign language, as emphasised by women, youth and persons with disabilities minister Sindisiwe Chikunga.
Chikunga has called on South Africans to take steps towards inclusivity by learning South African Sign Language. She highlights that “learning sign language is the most effective way to communicate with and connect with deaf individuals”, stressing inclusion benefits not just the community but the entire nation.
This directive comes as the world commemorates Deaf Awareness Month, focusing on promoting understanding and taking actionable steps towards a more inclusive society.
Making society more inclusive has significant social and economic benefits. For the deaf and hard of hearing community, inclusivity can open avenues for meaningful employment, fostering economic growth and enabling active social participation. In a world where computer-orientated jobs are in high demand, skills such as coding can become a powerful tool for empowerment. Programmes such as the iSchoolAfrica Deaf Developers Programme and Coding for Inclusion pave the way for pupils to access such opportunities.
Since 2009, iSchoolAfrica has transformed the lives of more than 100,000 South African pupils, from early childhood education to grade 12, through high-end technology and forward-thinking education practices. This initiative, which leverages cutting-edge Apple technology, aims to reduce inequalities and create opportunities for exceptional employment and economic growth including the deaf and hard of hearing community.
The iSchoolAfrica Coding for Inclusion Programme, in particular, is a pioneering effort designed to empower pupils of all abilities by providing tools and resources to learn coding in a supportive environment. The programme teaches the Swift coding language, used across all Apple products and apps, creating a valuable pathway for deaf pupils to enter the tech industry.
By focusing on coding — a language that transcends verbal and written communication barriers — the programme equips pupils with the skills needed for jobs that were once thought out of reach.
The programme’s impact is profound. Coding not only levels the playing field for pupils with disabilities but also fosters creativity, problem solving skills and self-confidence. In the case of deaf pupils it addresses one of the most significant barriers: communication. By mastering coding, pupils can tap into a universal language that can bridge gaps, not just in education but also in employability.
Research supports the importance of inclusive education. A study from Indiana University published in the Journal of Special Education in 2022 found schools implementing inclusive classrooms tend to have higher grades and better prepare pupils for secondary education and future jobs. In an inclusive environment, pupils without special education needs learn to respect differences, help others and gain cognitive benefits from explaining their learning processes to peers with special needs.
By offering an inclusive coding programme, iSchoolAfrica takes this further by building a diverse talent pipeline in the tech industry. Coding has become a vital tool for pupils with disabilities to express themselves, create innovative solutions and participate in a world increasingly driven by digital technology. The programme encourages pupils to explore fields such as accessibility and inclusion, leading to the creation of assistive devices and applications that benefit the broader community.
Take our Deaf Developers Programme. The comprehensive nine-month journey, which provides deaf pupils with the skills and knowledge to create iOS apps, has not only empowered its graduates with vital tech skills but has also enriched South African Sign Language by adding more than 100 new coding terms. Each participant receives an Apple MacBook and has access to SASL interpreters, ensuring communication barriers are addressed effectively. This initiative not only equips participants with the tools they need to excel but also lays the foundation for a more inclusive tech industry in South Africa.
The success of this programme is a testament to how technology, when used thoughtfully, can break down barriers and create pathways to employment. With 98% of persons with disabilities in South Africa unemployed, programmes such as this serve as essential steps towards creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce. As Chikunga points out, learning sign language and embracing inclusivity is not just a societal good; it is a necessity for building a stronger, more equitable nation.
The call for inclusivity, championed by Chikunga and echoed by initiatives such as ours, aligns with the UN's sustainable development goals of ensuring quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. Academic inclusion means removing barriers that may prevent pupils accessing content and participating in classroom activities, whether through accommodations, culturally responsive instructional materials or alternative ways of demonstrating knowledge.
By integrating technology and inclusive practices, iSchoolAfrica is helping to build an equitable society where access to opportunities is not limited by socioeconomic status, geography or disability. As more South Africans “sign up for sign language rights” and embrace inclusivity, the nation moves closer to a future where everyone — regardless of their abilities — can contribute meaningfully to the economy and society.
Michelle Lissoos is a director at iSchoolAfrica.
MICHELLE LISSOOS | A call for inclusivity: Learning sign language, empowering deaf community in South Africa
Image: Supplied
September marks International Month for Deaf People, a time dedicated to promoting awareness of the rights of deaf individuals and highlighting the challenges faced by more than four-million South Africans who are deaf or hard of hearing.
This year’s theme, “Sign up for Sign Language Rights”, serves as a timely reminder of the importance of inclusivity and the responsibility of all South Africans to learn sign language, as emphasised by women, youth and persons with disabilities minister Sindisiwe Chikunga.
Chikunga has called on South Africans to take steps towards inclusivity by learning South African Sign Language. She highlights that “learning sign language is the most effective way to communicate with and connect with deaf individuals”, stressing inclusion benefits not just the community but the entire nation.
This directive comes as the world commemorates Deaf Awareness Month, focusing on promoting understanding and taking actionable steps towards a more inclusive society.
Making society more inclusive has significant social and economic benefits. For the deaf and hard of hearing community, inclusivity can open avenues for meaningful employment, fostering economic growth and enabling active social participation. In a world where computer-orientated jobs are in high demand, skills such as coding can become a powerful tool for empowerment. Programmes such as the iSchoolAfrica Deaf Developers Programme and Coding for Inclusion pave the way for pupils to access such opportunities.
Since 2009, iSchoolAfrica has transformed the lives of more than 100,000 South African pupils, from early childhood education to grade 12, through high-end technology and forward-thinking education practices. This initiative, which leverages cutting-edge Apple technology, aims to reduce inequalities and create opportunities for exceptional employment and economic growth including the deaf and hard of hearing community.
The iSchoolAfrica Coding for Inclusion Programme, in particular, is a pioneering effort designed to empower pupils of all abilities by providing tools and resources to learn coding in a supportive environment. The programme teaches the Swift coding language, used across all Apple products and apps, creating a valuable pathway for deaf pupils to enter the tech industry.
By focusing on coding — a language that transcends verbal and written communication barriers — the programme equips pupils with the skills needed for jobs that were once thought out of reach.
The programme’s impact is profound. Coding not only levels the playing field for pupils with disabilities but also fosters creativity, problem solving skills and self-confidence. In the case of deaf pupils it addresses one of the most significant barriers: communication. By mastering coding, pupils can tap into a universal language that can bridge gaps, not just in education but also in employability.
Research supports the importance of inclusive education. A study from Indiana University published in the Journal of Special Education in 2022 found schools implementing inclusive classrooms tend to have higher grades and better prepare pupils for secondary education and future jobs. In an inclusive environment, pupils without special education needs learn to respect differences, help others and gain cognitive benefits from explaining their learning processes to peers with special needs.
By offering an inclusive coding programme, iSchoolAfrica takes this further by building a diverse talent pipeline in the tech industry. Coding has become a vital tool for pupils with disabilities to express themselves, create innovative solutions and participate in a world increasingly driven by digital technology. The programme encourages pupils to explore fields such as accessibility and inclusion, leading to the creation of assistive devices and applications that benefit the broader community.
Take our Deaf Developers Programme. The comprehensive nine-month journey, which provides deaf pupils with the skills and knowledge to create iOS apps, has not only empowered its graduates with vital tech skills but has also enriched South African Sign Language by adding more than 100 new coding terms. Each participant receives an Apple MacBook and has access to SASL interpreters, ensuring communication barriers are addressed effectively. This initiative not only equips participants with the tools they need to excel but also lays the foundation for a more inclusive tech industry in South Africa.
The success of this programme is a testament to how technology, when used thoughtfully, can break down barriers and create pathways to employment. With 98% of persons with disabilities in South Africa unemployed, programmes such as this serve as essential steps towards creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce. As Chikunga points out, learning sign language and embracing inclusivity is not just a societal good; it is a necessity for building a stronger, more equitable nation.
The call for inclusivity, championed by Chikunga and echoed by initiatives such as ours, aligns with the UN's sustainable development goals of ensuring quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. Academic inclusion means removing barriers that may prevent pupils accessing content and participating in classroom activities, whether through accommodations, culturally responsive instructional materials or alternative ways of demonstrating knowledge.
By integrating technology and inclusive practices, iSchoolAfrica is helping to build an equitable society where access to opportunities is not limited by socioeconomic status, geography or disability. As more South Africans “sign up for sign language rights” and embrace inclusivity, the nation moves closer to a future where everyone — regardless of their abilities — can contribute meaningfully to the economy and society.
Michelle Lissoos is a director at iSchoolAfrica.
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