Deafness is not by choice or will

By Taofeekat Adigun

International Day of Sign Languages is celebrated annually across the world on 23rd September every year along with International Week of the Deaf in order to raise awareness on the importance of sign language in the full realization of the human rights of people who are deaf.

Mrs  Temilola Ogundeji is the Director of Language of Hands Centre, a consultant interpreting firm. She is the lead interpreter at the office of Executive Assistant on disability matters for Oyo State Government. She is also the National Vice President for the Association of Sign Language Interpreters of Nigeria (ASLIN), as well as a worker in News Interpreting Department on BCOS.

In this interview with Taofeekat Adigun, She shares insight into challenges faced by deaf people, inclusion of Sign Language and the role society has to play.

Tell us a little about yourself ma?

I am Temilola Sakirat Ogundeji, popularly called Lola interpreter. I am a prolific  consultant interpreter, and the Founder of Caring Climate Interpreters Ventures (train the trainers outfit). I am a lead mentor for deaf community. I have worked with different organizations both in Nigeria and it's diaspora on Sign Language usage. Some of the organisations include; DFID, USAID, C4C, UNIFEM, INEC, NASS, JONAPWD, NNAD, IRI, VSO, UKaid, Osun State Govt., FORD FOUNDATION, PATHFINDER INTERNATIONAL, AIT, amongst many others.

 Also, I am a film producer. I have produced 2 films "Ayike Omo Oko" (subtitled in English and Sign language for the deaf) in 2008 and "Igbo oba" produced in conjunction with National Parks Service in 2012.

 Tell us a little about your organization and the achievement it has garnered over the years.

Caring Climate Interpreters Ventures, popularly called Language of Hands was established in 1991 but came to limelight in 2005 after my participation during confab. It is a consultant interpreting NGO where we offer sign language interpreting service for people, company, schools and the likes. We offer training for people interested in sign language free of charge. Some become an Interpreter after 9 to 12 months, depending on their interest and seriousness.

Some of our achievement so far, we have trained many interpreters who have trained other interpreters as well. We have mentored many interpreters who are doing well in the profession through our different training programs and field jobs. We have worked with so many organisations both in Nigeria and  abroad to offer sign language interpreting service. We have participated in different programs,both national and international.

What spiked your interest in sign language?

I did my NCE program at Federal College of Education (SPED), Oyo, where I studied Special (Deaf) Education. I was passionate about learning Sign Language. The  peculiarity of the language, where your hands represent your mouth and your eyes represent your ears was fascinating to me. I learnt sign language via a Deaf  man in 1986 because of my passion for it and to communicate with him well. The Deaf man later became my husband in 1989.

 We hear people say "Hearing impairment/ Deaf people". Which Term is more appropriate to use?

The Deaf is the general term. It covers both hearing impaired, speech impaired and hard of hearing.

What challenges do Deaf People face in the society and how can we tackle them?

Communication problem is the major problem. Sign language is not a universal language that most people know or are aware of. There is also the issue of NEGLECTS because deafness is a hidden disability.

Generally, there is also the issue of misplaced priority. For example, when people think of empowerment of persons with disability, the first thing they plan for the deaf is sharing of hearing aids whereas not all deaf people can use it. The usage depends on the decibel and a lot of factors need to be considered.

The deaf needs education opportunities. There are schools with unskilled interpreters who end up teaching the children wrongly. Also, a lot of deaf people are highly educated with no jobs. Providing employment opportunities, various skills acquisition and vocational jobs will go a long way.

What are your opinions on including Sign Language in the school curriculum? 

I honestly believe Sign Language should be integrated in the curriculum. It will immensely bridge the communication barrier experienced by deaf people. Sign Language is a subtle and unique language. If we all have a deep understanding of the language, it would go a long way in making life better for the deaf. 

What advice do you have for parents with deaf children?

Acceptance is a huge factor. Parent should first accept  them and show love. See them like every other children. Enrol them in special schools early as a child so as not derail their education, and overall, let them be independent. Parents should try as much as possible to learn simple basic sign language  well as to communicate with their children.

How can government help solve the plight facing the deaf community?

Inclusion and integration is the only way. Let  there be interpreters at hospitals,court of justice, police stations, interpreting service centre like the legal aid council. Thank God Oyo state govt.is trying in that area.There are News interpreter  on BCOS as well as interpreters in the office of the Executive Assistant to the governor on disability matters.

Providing job opportunities for those who are educated and vocational relief materials for those who have various skillset.

What advice do you have for people on relating  with deaf community?

Firstly, deafness is not by choice or will and disability can happen to anybody. People tend to have the "Thank God For My Life" mentality when they encounter deaf people. This should stop.

Let people recognise sign language, embrace it, learn it, and use it.

Let them be FODA (Friends of the deaf adult). Let them encourage and accept intermarriage between the Deaf and hearing. Deafness is not contagious.

 What is your final advice for deaf people on surmounting all odds against disability?

"In every disability, there are abilities". God created them with special abilities and potentials.

They should not allow their disability to be a barrier for achievement and realising their purpose. Educational pursuit is very important, no matter how little. Begging is not the answer.

Nobody can make them inferior without their consent. They should not allow anybody to downplay or look down on them. They should be hardworking, confident and focused.