Mr Newell Agbe, Executive Director of the institute speaking at the event said more than 260,000 people were deaf according to the Joshua Project in 2014, who are seriously challenged by the communication barrier between them and their hearing parents, families, teachers among others.
He said the institute has come at the opportune time to enable people such as parents, families, and paramedical staff to take up lessons in sign language that would allow for effective communication between the hearing and the disadvantaged ones.
“This professional sign language training is to promote the use of sign language on a larger scale to overcome the challenges encountered when dealing with such people.”
He appealed to individuals and institutions to take advantage of the opportunity and learn sign language in order to overcome this challenge.
The Executive Director noted that the institute has come out with a five- year comprehensive plan known as the Post 2015 Strategic initiative, a positive outcome towards making the rights of persons with hearing disabilities in Ghana real.
He appealed to government for logistic support for its research outfits, staff supply and essential teaching and learning materials in the upcoming periods.
Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo, Greater Accra Regional Minister, pledged government’s support, and urged the Executive Director to rely on him for the needed support to enable the institute function as it should.
Source: GNA
