Fostering belonging

In South Africa, individuals who have hearing impairments or deafness often face significant barriers that prevent them from fully participating in heritage celebrations. Digital exclusion, communication obstacles, and social isolation hinder their ability to engage in activities.

However, assistive technologies and devices such as:

• Hearing aids

• Cochlear implants

• Bone-anchored hearing aids

• Loop systems

• Captions/sub-titles

• Alternate methods of communication

• Lip-speakers

• Note takers

can facilitate connection. Inspiring stories of resilient role models contribute to a richly diverse society, fostering connection and community.

We acknowledge the crucial role of support networks, organizations, and advocacy efforts in creating belonging and solidarity. Over the past 30 years, the following organizations have made invaluable contributions to inclusion:

• National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities

• Hear2day 

• Road To Independence 

• HearUs - A South African Cochlear Implant Association 

• The Carel du Toit Centre 

The fight for accessibility and inclusivity has yielded significant improvements in accommodations, equal opportunities, and inclusiveness. The SA White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities emphasizes addressing past inequalities and promoting inclusion.

By embracing diversity, we can bridge the gap between persons with hearing disabilities and the general society, fostering a sense of belonging and identity.