Page No 1 - World Federation of the Deaf
Page No 1 - World Federation of the Deaf
Page No 1 - World Federation of the Deaf
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The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 1<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
Global Survey Report<br />
WFD Regional Secretariat for Mexico, Central America and <strong>the</strong> Caribbean<br />
Global Education Pre-Planning Project on <strong>the</strong> Human Rights <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> People<br />
Compiled by Mr Colin Allen<br />
Project Co-ordinator<br />
<strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> and Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Published in June 2008<br />
Front <strong>Page</strong> Cover Designer: Mr Dušan Nikolić<br />
Please contact:<br />
General Secretariat<br />
<strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
PO Box 65<br />
FIN-00401<br />
Helsinki, Finland<br />
Email: info@wfdeaf.org<br />
Website: www.wfdeaf.org<br />
Funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Co-operation (SIDA) and Swedish Organisations <strong>of</strong><br />
Disabled Persons International Aid Association (Shia).<br />
Co-partnered by <strong>the</strong> Danish <strong>Deaf</strong> Association (DDL), Finnish Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (FAD), <strong>No</strong>rwegian Association<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (NDF) and Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR).<br />
© Copyright by <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> and Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
All rights reserved. When referring to or quoting any part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> report it is required that <strong>the</strong> publisher and <strong>the</strong><br />
original publication be mentioned in <strong>the</strong> following form: ‘Global Survey Report WFD Regional Secretariat for Mexico,<br />
Central America and <strong>the</strong> Caribbean (WFD MCAC) by <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> and <strong>the</strong> Swedish National<br />
Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong>, 2008’.<br />
ISBN 978-952-9648-09-2<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 2<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
Table <strong>of</strong> Contents<br />
1.0 Appreciation 7<br />
2.0 Introduction 8<br />
3.0 Methodology<br />
10<br />
3.1 Development <strong>of</strong> Survey Questionnaire<br />
10<br />
3.2 Implementation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Global Education Pre-Planning Project on <strong>the</strong><br />
Human Rights <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> People in WFD MCAC<br />
10<br />
3.3 Reporting<br />
11<br />
3.4 Regional Working Group Meeting<br />
11<br />
4.0 Executive Summary <strong>of</strong> Survey Results<br />
12<br />
4.1 Background <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Country Respondents<br />
12<br />
4.1.1 Classification <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Developing Countries/Developed<br />
Countries<br />
12<br />
4.1.2 Contact Details <strong>of</strong> Country Respondents<br />
13<br />
4.1.3 Country Respondent Memberships<br />
13<br />
4.1.4 Background <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Country Respondents<br />
13<br />
4.2 Population <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> People<br />
15<br />
4.3 Legislation and Policies<br />
16<br />
4.4 Access to Government Services<br />
17<br />
4.5 Access to <strong>the</strong> Media<br />
18<br />
4.6 Status <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> National Sign Language(s)<br />
18<br />
4.7 Access to Education<br />
18<br />
4.8 Status <strong>of</strong> Sign Language Interpreting Services<br />
20<br />
4.9 Employment<br />
22<br />
4.10 General Comments<br />
23<br />
5.0 Recommendations<br />
25<br />
5.1 Increase Knowledge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United Nations Conventions<br />
25<br />
5.2 Training on <strong>the</strong> United Nations Convention on <strong>the</strong> Rights <strong>of</strong> Persons<br />
with Disabilities (CRPD)<br />
25<br />
5.3 Training for <strong>the</strong> National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> and <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Groups/Organisations<br />
25<br />
5.4 Organisational Development Training for Board and Senior Management 26<br />
5.5 Organisational Review and Training for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community<br />
26<br />
5.6 Advocacy for <strong>the</strong> Improvement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Standard <strong>of</strong> Living for <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
People<br />
26<br />
5.7 Fur<strong>the</strong>r Situation Analysis Research in <strong>the</strong> Mexico, Central America and<br />
Caribbean Region<br />
27<br />
6.0 Geography and Population<br />
28<br />
6.1 Costa Rica<br />
28<br />
6.2 Cuba<br />
28<br />
6.3 Dominican Republic<br />
29<br />
6.4 El Salvador<br />
29<br />
6.5 Guatemala<br />
29<br />
6.6 Guyana<br />
30<br />
6.7 Haiti<br />
30<br />
6.8 Honduras<br />
30<br />
6.9 Mexico<br />
31<br />
6.10 Nicaragua<br />
31<br />
6.11 Panama<br />
32<br />
6.12 Suriname<br />
32<br />
7.0 Survey Results<br />
33<br />
7.1.0 Contact Details<br />
33<br />
7.2.0 National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
37<br />
7.2.1 Please provide <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> members your National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Deaf</strong>/<strong>Deaf</strong> Group has in your country.<br />
37<br />
7.2.1.1 <strong>Deaf</strong> Members<br />
37<br />
7.2.1.2 Hard <strong>of</strong> Hearing Members<br />
37<br />
7.2.1.3 Hearing Members<br />
37<br />
7.2.1.4 Summary Status <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Associations’/Groups’ Memberships<br />
38<br />
7.2.2 In what year was your National Association/<strong>Deaf</strong> Group established?<br />
38<br />
7.2.3 Does your <strong>Deaf</strong> Association/<strong>Deaf</strong> Group have Statutes/a Constitution? 38<br />
7.2.4 Does your government recognise your national organisation as <strong>the</strong><br />
representative <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people in your country?<br />
38<br />
7.2.5 Please list some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> areas in which your association/group has<br />
adopted a policy statement.<br />
38<br />
7.2.6 Please list <strong>the</strong> six highest priority issues/actions in your strategic action<br />
plan.<br />
39<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 3<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
7.2.7 Please describe <strong>the</strong> structure <strong>of</strong> your National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong>/<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Group (e.g. Congress/annual meeting/board/executive/districts<br />
/local associations and so forth).<br />
7.2.7.1 How many affiliated regional and/or local <strong>Deaf</strong> Associations<br />
are part <strong>of</strong> your National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong>?<br />
7.2.8 How many <strong>of</strong> your board members are <strong>Deaf</strong>?<br />
7.2.9 How many members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> board are <strong>Deaf</strong> women and how many are<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> men?<br />
7.2.10 Does your National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong>/<strong>Deaf</strong> Group have<br />
committees for specific areas <strong>of</strong> interest or affiliation with any o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
relevant independent groups in your country?<br />
7.2.11 Does your National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong>/<strong>Deaf</strong> Group have any paid<br />
staff members?<br />
7.2.11.1 How many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> paid staff members are women and how<br />
many are men?<br />
7.2.11.2 How many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> paid staff members are <strong>Deaf</strong>?<br />
7.2.12 Is your Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director/Person-In-Charge<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong>?<br />
7.3.0 Population <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> People<br />
7.3.1 Does your country’s government have any <strong>of</strong>ficial number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
people in your country?<br />
7.3.2 Does your Association/Group have any <strong>of</strong>ficial or approximate figures<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people living in your country?<br />
7.3.3 Does your Association/Group have any <strong>of</strong>ficial or approximate<br />
numbers <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people who use sign language as <strong>the</strong>ir primary<br />
language?<br />
7.3.4 Does <strong>the</strong> situation <strong>of</strong> HIV/AIDS in your country affect <strong>Deaf</strong> women, men<br />
and children?<br />
7.4.0 Legislation and Policies<br />
7.4.1 Does your country’s government recognise <strong>Deaf</strong> people as citizens on<br />
an equal basis as o<strong>the</strong>r citizens in your country?<br />
7.4.2 Does your country’s government have an <strong>of</strong>fice responsible for services<br />
for People with Disabilities?<br />
7.4.2.1 If yes, what is <strong>the</strong> name, address and website <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
government <strong>of</strong>fice that is responsible for services for People<br />
with Disabilities in your country?<br />
7.4.3 Does your country’s Government have any legislation or policies for<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> people (or People with Disabilities in general)?<br />
7.4.3.1 If yes, please list some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> policies or legislation that<br />
relate to <strong>Deaf</strong> people (or People with Disabilities).<br />
7.4.4 Does your country’s Government have any anti-discrimination laws for<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> people (or People with Disabilities)?<br />
7.4.5 Does your country’s government provide any services specifically for<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community through its government departments?<br />
7.4.5.1 If yes, what types <strong>of</strong> service are provided specifically for <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Community by your country’s government?<br />
7.4.5.2 What is <strong>the</strong> general opinion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> current service(s)<br />
specifically provided for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community by your<br />
country’s government?<br />
7.4.5.3 If no, why does your country’s government not provide any<br />
service specifically for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community?<br />
7.4.6 Does your Association/Group have any contact with your current<br />
country’s government?<br />
7.4.6.1 What type <strong>of</strong> contact does your Association/Group have with<br />
your country’s current government?<br />
7.4.7 Does your Association/Group receive any financial support from your<br />
country’s current government?<br />
7.4.7.1 What is <strong>the</strong> amount <strong>of</strong> annual financial support from your<br />
country’s government?<br />
7.4.7.2 What is <strong>the</strong> purpose <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> financial support from your<br />
country’s government to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community?<br />
7.4.8 Do <strong>Deaf</strong> people have a right to vote in national, regional and local<br />
elections?<br />
7.4.9 Are <strong>Deaf</strong> people allowed to obtain a driver’s licence?<br />
7.4.10 Are <strong>Deaf</strong> people allowed to marry <strong>Deaf</strong> or o<strong>the</strong>r partners?<br />
7.4.11 Are <strong>Deaf</strong> people allowed to have children?<br />
7.4.12 Are <strong>Deaf</strong> people allowed to adopt children?<br />
7.4.12.1 If <strong>Deaf</strong> people are not allowed to drive, please list <strong>the</strong><br />
Government legislation or policy that stops <strong>the</strong>m from being<br />
allowed to drive.<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 4<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).<br />
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7.4.12.2 If <strong>Deaf</strong> people are not allowed to adopt children, please list<br />
any specific Government legislation or policy that stops <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
people from being allowed to adopt children.<br />
7.5.0 Access to Government Services<br />
7.5.1 Do <strong>Deaf</strong> people have access to government services such as education,<br />
health care, employment, social welfare and any general government<br />
services?<br />
7.5.1.1 If yes, how do <strong>Deaf</strong> people access <strong>the</strong>se government services?<br />
7.5.1.2 Are <strong>Deaf</strong> people satisfied with <strong>the</strong> level <strong>of</strong> access <strong>the</strong>y have to<br />
<strong>the</strong> government services?<br />
7.5.2 Are <strong>Deaf</strong> people entitled to any financial assistance from your country’s<br />
government?<br />
7.5.2.1 What type <strong>of</strong> financial assistance are <strong>Deaf</strong> people entitled to<br />
receive from your country’s government?<br />
7.6.0 Access to <strong>the</strong> Media<br />
7.6.1 Does your country’s government provide sign language services for<br />
news and/or current affairs programmes on public television?<br />
7.6.2 Does your country’s government provide subtitles/captions for news<br />
and/or current affairs programmes?<br />
7.6.3 Does your country’s government <strong>of</strong>fer governmental documents in your<br />
country’s sign language(s)?<br />
7.7.0 Status <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> National Sign Language(s)<br />
7.7.1 Does your country’s government formally recognise your country’s sign<br />
language(s)?<br />
7.7.1.1 What legislation/regulation formally recognises your country’s<br />
sign language(s)?<br />
7.7.1.2 When did your country’s government formally recognise your<br />
country’s sign language(s)?<br />
7.7.1.3 Does your <strong>Deaf</strong> Association lobby your government for <strong>the</strong><br />
recognition <strong>of</strong> your country’s sign language(s)?<br />
7.7.1.4 If no, please explain <strong>the</strong> reason your Association does not<br />
lobby your current government for <strong>the</strong> recognition <strong>of</strong> your<br />
country’s sign language(s).<br />
7.7.2 Does your country have a sign language dictionary?<br />
7.8.0 Access to Education<br />
7.8.1 Does your country’s government recognise that <strong>Deaf</strong> children and <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
students have <strong>the</strong> right to receive an education?<br />
7.8.2 Does your country’s government have any legislation or policies on <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Education?<br />
7.8.2.1 If yes, please list <strong>the</strong> specific name <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> legislation or<br />
policies relating to <strong>Deaf</strong> Education.<br />
7.8.3 Does your country’s government provide any <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> following<br />
educational settings for <strong>Deaf</strong> children and <strong>Deaf</strong> students?<br />
7.8.4 Does your country’s government provide bilingual education using your<br />
country’s sign language(s) for <strong>Deaf</strong> children and <strong>Deaf</strong> students in your<br />
country?<br />
7.8.4.1 If yes, in which educational setting is bilingual education<br />
<strong>of</strong>fered in your country using your sign language(s)?<br />
7.8.5 Does your country have any schools specifically for <strong>Deaf</strong> children and<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> students?<br />
7.8.5.1 If yes, how many <strong>Deaf</strong> schools does your country have?<br />
7.8.5.2 What is <strong>the</strong> educational approach for communicating with<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> children and students at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> School in your country?<br />
7.8.6 What is <strong>the</strong> general opinion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> level <strong>of</strong> education received<br />
by <strong>Deaf</strong> children and <strong>Deaf</strong> students in your country?<br />
7.8.7 What is <strong>the</strong> general opinion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> current literacy level <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
children and <strong>Deaf</strong> students in your country?<br />
7.8.8 Do <strong>Deaf</strong> people have access to a University education in your country?<br />
7.8.8.1 If yes, how many Universities provide access to studies for<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> people in your country?<br />
7.8.8.2 If no, why do <strong>Deaf</strong> people not have access to a University<br />
education in your country?<br />
7.8.9 Do <strong>Deaf</strong> people have full access to sign language interpreting services<br />
at University?<br />
7.9.0 Status <strong>of</strong> Sign Language Interpreting Services<br />
7.9.1 Does your country have any sign language interpreters?<br />
7.9.1.1 How many sign language interpreters does your country have?<br />
7.9.1.2 Are <strong>the</strong>re any sign language interpreting qualifications<br />
available in your country?<br />
7.9.1.3 Who provides <strong>the</strong> training for people who want to become<br />
qualified sign language interpreters?<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 5<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).<br />
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7.9.1.4 How many years <strong>of</strong> training are available to someone who<br />
wants to become a sign language interpreter?<br />
7.9.1.5 How many sign language interpreters in your country have<br />
formal interpreting qualifications?<br />
7.9.1.6 How do <strong>Deaf</strong> people access sign language interpreters?<br />
7.9.2 Does your country have sign language interpreting services?<br />
7.9.2.1 If yes, who provides <strong>the</strong>se sign language interpreting services?<br />
7.9.2.2 In what areas <strong>of</strong> life are sign language interpreting services<br />
available in your country?<br />
7.9.2.3 What is <strong>the</strong> general opinion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se sign language interpreting<br />
services?<br />
7.9.3 Do sign language interpreters receive payment for interpreting services<br />
in your country?<br />
7.9.3.1 Who is responsible for paying for a sign language interpreter?<br />
7.9.3.2 What is <strong>the</strong> average hourly rate <strong>of</strong> payment for sign language<br />
interpreters in your country?<br />
7.9.3.3 Do your sign language interpreters provide voluntary service<br />
for all sign language interpreting assignments?<br />
7.9.4 Does your country have a National Association <strong>of</strong> Sign Language<br />
Interpreters?<br />
7.9.4.1 Is your National Association <strong>of</strong> Sign Language Interpreters<br />
independent from your National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong>?<br />
7.9.5 Is <strong>the</strong>re a national Code <strong>of</strong> Ethics for sign language interpreters<br />
in your country?<br />
7.9.6 Is <strong>the</strong>re any legislation or policy in your country which states that <strong>the</strong><br />
government has a responsibility for <strong>the</strong> provision <strong>of</strong> sign language<br />
interpreting services?<br />
7.9.6.1 If yes, please list <strong>the</strong> legislation or policies that specifically<br />
state <strong>the</strong> government has a responsibility for <strong>the</strong> provision <strong>of</strong><br />
sign language interpreting services.<br />
7.10.0 Employment<br />
7.10.1 Does your country’s government consider that <strong>Deaf</strong> people have a right<br />
to be employed and earn a standard salary?<br />
7.10.2 Does your country’s government have any anti-discrimination laws in<br />
<strong>the</strong> area <strong>of</strong> employment, especially for <strong>Deaf</strong> people or People with<br />
Disabilities?<br />
7.10.2.1 If yes, please write clearly <strong>the</strong> name <strong>of</strong> any legislation or<br />
policy that relates to anti-discrimination in employment.<br />
7.10.3 Does your Association/Group have any <strong>of</strong>ficial or approximate figures<br />
on <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people who are in paid employment in your<br />
country?<br />
7.10.3.1 If yes, how many <strong>Deaf</strong> people are in employment?<br />
7.10.3.2 What are <strong>the</strong> most common areas <strong>of</strong> work for <strong>Deaf</strong> people in<br />
your country?<br />
7.10.4 Does your country have any figures on <strong>the</strong> percentage <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
who are unemployed?<br />
7.10.4.1 Why are <strong>Deaf</strong> people unemployed in your country?<br />
7.10.5 Does your country provide employment services to assist unemployed<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> people to look for employment?<br />
7.10.5.1 Who is responsible for providing employment services for<br />
unemployed <strong>Deaf</strong> people in your country?<br />
7.11.0 General<br />
7.11.1 Which <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> following does your National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong>/<strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Group consider to be <strong>the</strong> highest priority for your <strong>Deaf</strong> Community?<br />
7.11.2 Does your Association/Group have any o<strong>the</strong>r concerns about <strong>the</strong><br />
standard <strong>of</strong> living <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people in your country?<br />
8.0 Appendices:<br />
Appendix <strong>No</strong> 1 Cover Letter<br />
Appendix <strong>No</strong> 2 Global Human Rights Survey<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 6<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).<br />
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1.0 Appreciation<br />
The <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD) and <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) wish to recognise <strong>the</strong> cooperation<br />
and support from organisations and individuals who contributed <strong>the</strong>ir valuable time to <strong>the</strong> fourth phase <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sevenregion<br />
Global Education Pre-Planning Project on <strong>the</strong> Human Rights <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> People. This fourth phase took place in <strong>the</strong> WFD<br />
Regional Secretariat in Mexico, Central America and <strong>the</strong> Caribbean (WFD MCAC).<br />
The funding organisations:<br />
• Swedish Organisations <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons International Aid Association (Shia)<br />
• Co-partners Danish <strong>Deaf</strong> Association (DDL), Finnish Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (FAD), <strong>No</strong>rwegian Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
(NDF) and Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR)<br />
The members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Project Steering Committee:<br />
• Mr Tomas Hedberg, Sign Language Policy Co-ordinator, Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR)<br />
• Mr Feliciano Sola Limia, Vice President, <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD)<br />
• Ms Meri Hyrske-Fischer, Project Manager, <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD)<br />
• Ms Anneli Joneken, Project Co-ordinator, Swedish Organisations <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons International Aid Association<br />
(Shia)<br />
The members <strong>of</strong> WFD MCAC, who co-operated so efficiently:<br />
• Mr Gerardo E. Carrillo Naranjo, Regional Director, WFD MCAC<br />
• Mr Alan Fernández, Regional Co-ordinator, WFD MCAC Global Human Rights Project<br />
The members <strong>of</strong> Regional Working Group <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Global Human Rights Pre-Planning Project in WFD MCAC:<br />
• Ms Orquidea Centendo, Honduras<br />
• Ms Ileana Estrada, Guatemala<br />
• Mr Jose Gaspar Sanabria, Mexico<br />
The eight Ordinary Members <strong>of</strong> WFD MCAC who responded to <strong>the</strong> survey:<br />
1. Costa Rican National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
2. Cuban National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
3. National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Dominican Republic<br />
4. Salvadorian Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
5. Guatemala <strong>Deaf</strong> Association<br />
6. Mexican <strong>Deaf</strong> <strong>Federation</strong><br />
7. Nicaraguan National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
8. National <strong>Deaf</strong> Association <strong>of</strong> Panama<br />
The four countries in Central America and <strong>the</strong> Caribbean who are not WFD Ordinary Members, who also responded to <strong>the</strong><br />
survey:<br />
1. Support Group for <strong>Deaf</strong> Persons in Guyana<br />
2. Centre <strong>of</strong> Assistance for People with Hearing Problems in Haiti<br />
3. Honduras <strong>Deaf</strong> Association<br />
4. Suriname <strong>Deaf</strong> Association<br />
<strong>No</strong>t least, o<strong>the</strong>rs who have supported <strong>the</strong> project:<br />
• Mr Markku Jokinen, President, <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD)<br />
• Ms Liz Scott Gibson, President, <strong>World</strong> Association <strong>of</strong> Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI)<br />
• Mr Knud Søndergaard, Finance Officer, <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD)<br />
• Ms Veronica Moar Suarez, Assistant to WFD Vice-President, <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> People's Associations in Galicia, Spain<br />
• Staff members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Albanian National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (ANAD)<br />
• Ms Phillipa Sandholm, Administrative Assistant, <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD)<br />
• Ms Carol-lee Aquiline, English Grammar Editor for <strong>the</strong> Project Reports<br />
• Ms Corrie Tijsseling, WFD Expert in <strong>Deaf</strong> Education<br />
• Ms Vera Jovanović, Ms Desanka Žižić and Mr Boba Milošević, Film Production Team for <strong>the</strong> DVD in International Sign<br />
• Everyone who contributed time to <strong>the</strong> Global Human Rights Pre-Planning Project<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 7<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
2.0 Introduction<br />
The Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) is <strong>the</strong> national organisation <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people in Sweden and an Ordinary<br />
Member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD). SDR has been involved in 20 international projects with <strong>Deaf</strong> people in<br />
Africa, Asia, Central America and <strong>the</strong> Russian <strong>Federation</strong>, with expertise in <strong>the</strong> fields <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Education, Sign Language, <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Women and Children, Sign Language Interpreters, Organisational Development and Income Generating Activities. SDR is a<br />
member <strong>of</strong> Shia (Swedish Organisations <strong>of</strong> Handicapped International Aid Association) an umbrella organisation for<br />
developmental co-operation <strong>of</strong> Disability Organisations. Shia was founded in 1981 in connection with “The UN Year <strong>of</strong> People<br />
with Disabilities” and when <strong>the</strong> Disability Decade began. Today <strong>the</strong>re are 28 member organisations affiliated with Shia.<br />
SDR has had contact with many <strong>Deaf</strong> organisations in developing countries and recognises that approximately 90% <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
world's <strong>Deaf</strong> people have never been to school and are thus more or less illiterate. Sign language is repressed in many<br />
countries and its use is not permitted in education. The consequence is that <strong>Deaf</strong> people are not aware <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rights <strong>the</strong>y have<br />
in society, but live as a highly marginalised group in most developing countries. There is usually no access to information for<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> people, which means that <strong>the</strong>y do not even know what is happening in <strong>the</strong>ir immediate society and even less so in <strong>the</strong><br />
world. Of <strong>the</strong> world's <strong>Deaf</strong> people only about five percent (5%) can read and write. This is due to <strong>the</strong> fact that <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
have not been educated in sign language. Improving <strong>the</strong> status <strong>of</strong> sign language has consequences for all areas <strong>of</strong> life for <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
people; it opens up possibilities for participation, information and influence, and reduction <strong>of</strong> poverty.<br />
SDR approached WFD to become a partner organisation because WFD is an international organisation with global coverage<br />
although not all countries in <strong>the</strong> world are members. In order to reach as many <strong>Deaf</strong> people as possible in this project, WFD is<br />
a natural choice for SDR, as it is one <strong>of</strong> WFD's member organisations.<br />
WFD was established in 1951 and acts as an interest group representing <strong>Deaf</strong> people who use sign language. WFD works in<br />
partnership with <strong>the</strong> United Nations (UN) and its agencies and member states, o<strong>the</strong>r international organisations, national<br />
organisations <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people, Regional Secretariats and experts. With <strong>the</strong>se partners WFD pursues <strong>the</strong> rights <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people to<br />
participate in society, <strong>the</strong> State and o<strong>the</strong>r areas <strong>of</strong> life as equal citizens.<br />
WFD has a large network with seven Regional Secretariats, national organisations <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people in 130 member countries and<br />
experts within different areas: training, sign language, technology and accessibility, women's issues, human rights, health,<br />
employment and developing countries.<br />
SDR approached <strong>the</strong> <strong>No</strong>rdic Council <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> to request that <strong>the</strong> four <strong>No</strong>rdic Ordinary Members <strong>of</strong> WFD become involved as<br />
co-partners in <strong>the</strong> project; <strong>the</strong>se four members are <strong>the</strong> Danish <strong>Deaf</strong> Association (DDL), Finnish Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (FAD),<br />
<strong>No</strong>rwegian Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (NDF) and Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR). SDR forwarded a project proposal<br />
to Shia to carry out pre-planning survey work in conjunction with seven <strong>of</strong> WFD's regions; <strong>the</strong> proposal was granted funding for<br />
a pre-planning survey in <strong>the</strong><br />
• Eastern Europe and Middle Asia Regional Secretariat <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> WFD (WFD EEMARS)<br />
• WFD Regional Secretariat for Asia and <strong>the</strong> Pacific (WFD RSA/P)<br />
• WFD Regional Secretariat for South America (WFD RSSA)<br />
• WFD Regional Secretariat for Mexico, Central America and <strong>the</strong> Caribbean (WFD MCAC)<br />
• WFD Regional Secretariat for Eastern and Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Africa (WFD RSESA)<br />
• WFD Interim Regional Secretariat for Western and Central Africa Region (WFD WCAR)<br />
• WFD Interim Regional Secretariat for <strong>the</strong> Arab Region (WFD RSAR)<br />
Goals <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> pre-planning survey<br />
• Compilation <strong>of</strong> an analysis <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> situation for <strong>Deaf</strong> people in each <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> seven regions according to a common<br />
questionnaire. Data is to be produced from three <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> regions during <strong>the</strong> first year <strong>of</strong> pre-planning and from four <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> regions during <strong>the</strong> second year <strong>of</strong> pre-planning.<br />
• Production <strong>of</strong> documentation <strong>of</strong> assessment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> capacity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> national organisations and <strong>the</strong> regional structure in<br />
each region.<br />
• Production <strong>of</strong> an education plan for three <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> regions during <strong>the</strong> first year <strong>of</strong> pre-planning and for four <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
regions during <strong>the</strong> second year <strong>of</strong> pre-planning.<br />
• Development <strong>of</strong> training materials, methodologies and pre-planning organisational work to be used in <strong>the</strong> project.<br />
• Compilation <strong>of</strong> a global training plan on human rights for <strong>the</strong> WFD organisations to use as <strong>the</strong> basis for a complete<br />
project application to be submitted to Shia during autumn 2008 for consideration for budget 2009.<br />
Project Steering Committee<br />
A Project Steering Committee was formed to overview <strong>the</strong> survey work carried out by <strong>the</strong> Project Co-ordinator. The members<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Steering Committee are:<br />
• Mr Tomas Hedberg, Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR)<br />
• Mr Feliciano Sola Limia, <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD)<br />
• Ms Meri Hyrske-Fischer, <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD)<br />
• Ms Anneli Joneken, Swedish Organisations <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons International Aid Association (Shia)<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 8<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
Project Co-ordinator<br />
SDR and WFD approached <strong>the</strong> Finnish Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (FAD) to manage <strong>the</strong> project; and FAD appointed Mr Colin Allen<br />
to take on <strong>the</strong> role <strong>of</strong> Project Co-ordinator and oversee project management within <strong>the</strong> seven regions between July 2007 and<br />
December 2008. Mr Allen is based in Belgrade, Serbia where he has been associated with o<strong>the</strong>r FAD projects within <strong>the</strong> Balkan<br />
Region.<br />
WFD MCAC Regional Co-ordinator and Regional Working Group:<br />
The position <strong>of</strong> a Regional Co-ordinator was established for each survey region. The Steering Committee agreed to appoint Mr<br />
Allan Fernández as Regional Co-ordinator for <strong>the</strong> WFD MCAC region. Mr Allan Fernandez, who is based in San Jose, Costa Rica,<br />
was responsible to establish a communication network with <strong>the</strong> members <strong>of</strong> WFD MCAC as well as to co-ordinate <strong>the</strong> meeting<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Regional Working Group.<br />
Each survey region also had <strong>the</strong>ir own Regional Working Group and <strong>the</strong> WFD MCAC Regional Working Group had three<br />
members:<br />
• Ms Orquidea Centendo, Honduras<br />
• Ms Ileana Estrada, Guatemala<br />
• Mr Jose Gaspar Sanabria, Mexico<br />
Mr Gerardo E. Carrillo Naranjo, Regional Director <strong>of</strong> WFD MCAC, was invited as an observer to <strong>the</strong> WFD MCAC Regional Working<br />
Group meeting.<br />
The members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Regional Working Group were responsible to acknowledge <strong>the</strong> Survey Results as <strong>the</strong>y were received from<br />
12 country members and non-members <strong>of</strong> WFD MCAC. They had a pivotal role in preparing a list <strong>of</strong> recommendations for <strong>the</strong><br />
training project work to be carried out for <strong>the</strong>ir region in <strong>the</strong> next stage <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> project.<br />
Please note:<br />
Mr Jose Gaspar Sanabria Mr Allan Fernandez Mr Gerardo E. Carrillo Naranjo<br />
Ms Orquidea Centendo Ms Ileana Estrada<br />
The pre-planning survey is a basic situational analysis that aims to collect information from relevant representatives and is not<br />
intended to be a complete in-depth analysis <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> situation <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> persons in WFD MCAC. The data and issues presented in<br />
this report are based on <strong>the</strong> information received from <strong>the</strong>se representatives and members <strong>of</strong> WFD MCAC.<br />
Additional notes:<br />
Terminology used in this report is taken from <strong>the</strong> survey.<br />
Each country’s exchange rate into Euro Currency is based on <strong>the</strong> rate given on 31 st January 2008 on <strong>the</strong> website<br />
www.oanda.com/convert/classic.<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 9<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
3.0 Methodology<br />
3.1 Development <strong>of</strong> Survey Questionnaire<br />
According to <strong>the</strong> framework <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Global Education Pre-Planning Project on <strong>the</strong> Human Rights <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> People, <strong>the</strong> Project Coordinator<br />
developed a survey questionnaire to collect information on <strong>the</strong> standard <strong>of</strong> living <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people in all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> seven<br />
WFD Regional Secretariats, focussing on <strong>the</strong> areas <strong>of</strong>:<br />
1. Status <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> National <strong>Deaf</strong> Association<br />
2. Population <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> People<br />
3. Legislation and Policies<br />
4. Access to Government Services<br />
5. Access to <strong>the</strong> Media<br />
6. Status <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> National Sign Language(s)<br />
7. Access to Education<br />
8. Status <strong>of</strong> Sign Language Interpreting Services<br />
9. Employment Status <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> People<br />
The Project Co-ordinator had prior experience in survey work with <strong>Deaf</strong> people in developing countries, having conducted <strong>the</strong><br />
FAD – Balkan Survey Project in <strong>the</strong> countries <strong>of</strong> Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey<br />
between 2004 and 2006. Therefore, some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Balkan Survey Questions were simply modified for this Global Survey work.<br />
The Project Co-ordinator also liaised with <strong>the</strong> President <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> Association <strong>of</strong> Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI) for her<br />
guidance on relevant questions regarding <strong>the</strong> Status <strong>of</strong> Sign Language Interpreting Services.<br />
The questionnaire was intended to ensure that all appropriate data was received from each member within <strong>the</strong> Regional<br />
Secretariat. The survey questions were approved by <strong>the</strong> Project Steering Committee prior to commencement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Global<br />
Education Pre-Planning Project on <strong>the</strong> Human Rights <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> People. The questionnaire is available at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> this report –<br />
Appendix <strong>No</strong> 2.<br />
3.2 Implementation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Global Education Pre-Planning Project on <strong>the</strong> Human Rights <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> People in WFD MCAC<br />
Subsequent to <strong>the</strong> appointment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Regional Co-ordinator for WFD MCAC, <strong>the</strong> Project Co-ordinator and Regional Coordinator<br />
co-operated in confirming contact addresses for <strong>the</strong> nine country members <strong>of</strong> WFD MCAC and one non-member <strong>of</strong><br />
WFD MCAC. The Project Co-ordinator filmed <strong>the</strong> survey questions in International Sign on a DVD that was disseminated along<br />
with <strong>the</strong> survey questionnaire in written Spanish. One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> countries requested <strong>the</strong> survey in written French. The Regional<br />
Co-ordinator prepared <strong>the</strong> survey package and arranged for it to be mailed from San Jose, Costa Rica, to<br />
Nine (9) WFD Ordinary (Country) Members in Mexico, Central America and <strong>the</strong> Caribbean:<br />
1. Belize National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
2. Costa Rican National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
3. Cuban National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
4. National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Dominican Republic<br />
5. Salvadorian Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
6. Guatemala <strong>Deaf</strong> Association<br />
7. Mexican <strong>Deaf</strong> <strong>Federation</strong><br />
8. Nicaraguan National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
9. National <strong>Deaf</strong> Association <strong>of</strong> Panama<br />
The Regional Co-ordinator also sent <strong>the</strong> survey package to Honduras, a country that is not a WFD Ordinary Member.<br />
During <strong>the</strong> Regional Working Group Meeting, participants discussed and agreed to email <strong>the</strong> survey to five additional countries<br />
in Mexico, Central America and <strong>the</strong> Caribbean that also are not WFD Ordinary Members:<br />
1. Guyana<br />
2. Haiti (French Survey)<br />
3. Suriname<br />
4. Trinidad and Tobago<br />
5. West Indies<br />
The Global Survey was thus distributed to a total <strong>of</strong> 15 countries in <strong>the</strong> Mexico, Central America and Caribbean region.<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 10<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
3.3 Reporting<br />
The Regional Co-ordinator was <strong>the</strong> central contact point for collection <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> survey. Eleven <strong>of</strong> 12 countries responded in<br />
Spanish. The Regional Co-ordinator translated <strong>the</strong> Spanish answers into English for <strong>the</strong> Project Co-ordinator, with <strong>the</strong> aid <strong>of</strong> an<br />
Internet translation service (http://babelfish.altavista.com/). One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> respondents replied in French, and <strong>the</strong> Project Coordinator<br />
used an Internet translation service to translate this into English. The Regional Co-ordinator and Project Coordinator<br />
used video live chat (www.ooVoo.com) several times to discuss some issues.<br />
The Project Co-ordinator designed a basic data programme with Excel s<strong>of</strong>tware to record respondent country answers for all<br />
surveys received from <strong>the</strong> Regional Co-ordinator, i.e. 12 respondent countries. He was <strong>the</strong>n responsible for summarising <strong>the</strong><br />
results into categorised sections <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> report, available under “Survey Results” on page 33. The Project Co-ordinator also<br />
prepared <strong>the</strong> “Executive Summary”, found on page 12.<br />
Once <strong>the</strong> report was drafted <strong>the</strong> Regional Working Group gave comments and feedback, which were <strong>the</strong>n taken into<br />
consideration in <strong>the</strong> editing phase <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> report.<br />
A copy will be sent to all members <strong>of</strong> WFD MCAC, WFD, Danish <strong>Deaf</strong> Association (DDL), Finnish Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (FAD),<br />
<strong>No</strong>rwegian Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (NDF), Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR), <strong>World</strong> Association <strong>of</strong> Sign Language<br />
Interpreters (WASLI), Shia and o<strong>the</strong>r interested organisations. A compilation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most relevant information from all reports<br />
will be available at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> project.<br />
3.4 Regional Working Group Meeting<br />
The members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Regional Working Group and <strong>the</strong> Regional Co-ordinator met with <strong>the</strong> Project Co-ordinator in San Jose,<br />
Chile, on 25 th – 27 th March 2008. The purpose <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> meeting was to discuss <strong>the</strong> major findings from <strong>the</strong> Survey Results and<br />
enable <strong>the</strong> Regional Working Group to identify priority issues to be acknowledged. The members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Regional Working<br />
Group also had training on issues such as:<br />
a) Background <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
b) Human Rights through Sign Languages<br />
c) Introduction <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Global Education Pre-Planning Project on <strong>the</strong> Human Rights <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> People<br />
d) Brief Introduction to International Human Rights Instruments:<br />
1. Universal Declaration <strong>of</strong> Human Rights<br />
2. International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights<br />
3. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights<br />
4. Convention on <strong>the</strong> Rights <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Child<br />
5. Convention on <strong>the</strong> Elimination <strong>of</strong> all Forms <strong>of</strong> Discrimination Against Women<br />
e) Periodic reporting, <strong>the</strong> new system <strong>of</strong> Universal Periodic Reviews and also shadow/alternative reports from NGOs<br />
f) UN Convention on <strong>the</strong> Rights <strong>of</strong> Persons with Disabilities<br />
The Regional Working Group summarised <strong>the</strong> high priority issues to be addressed for fur<strong>the</strong>r training for <strong>the</strong> members <strong>of</strong> WFD<br />
MCAC. These can be found under “Recommendations” on page 25.<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 11<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
4.0 Executive Summary <strong>of</strong> Survey Results<br />
The Executive Summary <strong>of</strong> Survey Results is categorised into ten sections and is based on <strong>the</strong> detailed data results found later<br />
in <strong>the</strong> report:<br />
1. National Associations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
2. Population <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> People<br />
3. Legislation and Policies<br />
4. Access to Government Services<br />
5. Access to <strong>the</strong> Media<br />
6. Status <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Country Sign Language(s)<br />
7. Access to Education<br />
8. Status <strong>of</strong> Sign Language Interpreting Services<br />
9. Employment<br />
10. General Comments<br />
The target members <strong>of</strong> WFD MCAC who returned completed surveys were:<br />
1. Costa Rican National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
2. Cuban National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
3. National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Dominican Republic<br />
4. Salvadorian Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
5. Guatemala <strong>Deaf</strong> Association<br />
6. Mexican <strong>Deaf</strong> <strong>Federation</strong><br />
7. Nicaraguan National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
8. National <strong>Deaf</strong> Association <strong>of</strong> Panama<br />
And non-members who returned surveys were:<br />
1. Support Group for <strong>Deaf</strong> Persons in Guyana<br />
2. Centre <strong>of</strong> Assistance for People with Hearing Problems in Haiti<br />
3. Honduras <strong>Deaf</strong> Association<br />
4. Suriname Association <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Only one Ordinary Member <strong>of</strong> WFD MCAC (Belize) did not return <strong>the</strong> survey. The Regional Director stated that this organisation<br />
may have been temporarily shut down.<br />
The <strong>Deaf</strong> Association in Suriname has a partner organisation in Holland, ‘Dovenschap’, who completed <strong>the</strong> survey on <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
behalf.<br />
4.1 Background <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Country Respondents<br />
4.1.1 Classification <strong>of</strong> Developing Countries/Developed Countries<br />
Reference: - Reference: -<br />
(http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/DATASTATISTICS/0,,contentMDK:20420458~menuPK:64133156~pagePK:641331<br />
50~piPK:64133175~<strong>the</strong>SitePK:239419,00.html)<br />
Based on <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> Bank’s definition, four classifications were used for this analysis. In <strong>the</strong> region incorporating Mexico,<br />
Central America and <strong>the</strong> Caribbean, one country is classified as Low Income (Haiti); seven are classified as Low Middle Income<br />
(Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Nicaragua and Suriname) and four as Upper Middle Income (Costa Rica,<br />
Dominican Republic, Mexico and Panama).<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 12<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
Country Low Income Low Middle Income Upper Middle Income<br />
Costa Rica <br />
Cuba <br />
Dominican Republic <br />
El Salvador <br />
Guatemala <br />
Guyana <br />
Haiti <br />
Honduras <br />
Mexico <br />
Nicaragua<br />
Panama<br />
Suriname<br />
Total 1 (8%) 7 (59%) 4 (33%)<br />
4.1.2 Contact Details <strong>of</strong> Country Respondents<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 13<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).<br />
<br />
<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
Twelve country respondents supplied <strong>the</strong>ir contact details. It was interesting to note that only two have websites (Costa Rica<br />
and Haiti). Mexico’s website is under construction.<br />
4.1.3 Country Respondent Memberships<br />
Eleven country respondents provided <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> members; <strong>the</strong> largest number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> members is from Cuba, with<br />
9,759 out <strong>of</strong> a total <strong>of</strong> 14,910 <strong>Deaf</strong> members in <strong>the</strong> entire WFD MCAC region. The lowest number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> members was five in<br />
Suriname. Mexico did not supply <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> members.<br />
It is interesting to note that Honduras’ membership base has more hearing people (68%) than <strong>Deaf</strong> (32%).<br />
Country Total <strong>Deaf</strong> Members<br />
Total Hard <strong>of</strong> Hearing<br />
Members<br />
Total Hearing Members Total Members<br />
Costa Rica 498 (99%) 0 2 (0.4%) 500<br />
Cuba 9,759 (49%) 9,273 (46%) 1,071 (5%) 20,103<br />
Dominican Republic 55 (100%) 0 0 55<br />
El Salvador 473 (99%) 3 (1%) 0 476<br />
Guatemala 37 (76%) 11 (22%) 1 (2%) 49<br />
Guyana 20 (50%) 0 20 (50%) 40<br />
Haiti 2,300 (59%) 1,033 (27%) 557 (14%) 3,890<br />
Honduras 890 (32%) 0 1,900 (68%) 2,790<br />
Mexico 0 0 0 0<br />
Nicaragua 793 (99%) 8 (1%) 0 801<br />
Panama 80 (95%) 4 (5%) 0 84<br />
Suriname 5 (100%) 0 0 5<br />
Total 14,910 10,332 3,551 28,793<br />
4.1.4 Background <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Country Respondents<br />
Eight out <strong>of</strong> 12 country respondents (Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua and<br />
Panama) are Ordinary Members (OMs) <strong>of</strong> WFD and were established between 1964 to 1997; <strong>the</strong> oldest National Association in<br />
WFD MCAC is that <strong>of</strong> Mexico, which was established in 1964, with <strong>the</strong> most recently-established being that in <strong>the</strong> Dominican<br />
Republic (2000).
Four country respondents, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras and Suriname, are not Ordinary Members <strong>of</strong> WFD. Information supplied<br />
from <strong>the</strong>se countries were from Associations (Honduras and Suriname) and <strong>Deaf</strong> Groups (Guyana and Haiti).<br />
Ten out <strong>of</strong> 12 country respondents (Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico,<br />
Nicaragua and Panama) have <strong>the</strong>ir own organisational statutes/constitutions and all are recognised by <strong>the</strong>ir country’s<br />
government as <strong>the</strong> association/group representing <strong>Deaf</strong> people; governmental recognition is also <strong>the</strong> case in Guyana. Only one<br />
country (Suriname) was not certain if <strong>the</strong> government recognises <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>Deaf</strong> Association.<br />
A full explanation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> organisational structures is provided on page 41.<br />
Nine out <strong>of</strong> 12 country respondents (Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico and<br />
Nicaragua) outlined <strong>the</strong>ir policy statements in <strong>the</strong> areas <strong>of</strong>:<br />
• Education<br />
• Human Rights for <strong>Deaf</strong> People<br />
• Promotion <strong>of</strong> Sign Language<br />
• Integration <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> People into <strong>the</strong> Community<br />
• Sign Language Interpreters<br />
• Advocacy<br />
Eleven out <strong>of</strong> 12 country respondents outlined <strong>the</strong> six highest priority issues or actions in <strong>the</strong>ir strategic action plans; <strong>the</strong> most<br />
common issues being:<br />
• <strong>Deaf</strong> Education<br />
• Sign Language<br />
• Research into <strong>Deaf</strong> People’s Standard <strong>of</strong> Living<br />
• Leadership Training<br />
• Promotion <strong>of</strong> Laws<br />
• Training for Women<br />
• Relationship with Public Institutions<br />
• Health Awareness (STD/HIV)<br />
• Employment<br />
The questions <strong>the</strong>n focused on numbers <strong>of</strong> Regional and Local <strong>Deaf</strong> Associations in each country; <strong>the</strong> largest number <strong>of</strong><br />
Regional <strong>Deaf</strong> Associations is in Mexico (16) and <strong>the</strong> largest number <strong>of</strong> Local <strong>Deaf</strong> Association is in Cuba (169). Four countries<br />
(Costa Rica, Guatemala, Guyana and Suriname) do not have ei<strong>the</strong>r Regional or Local Associations.<br />
Eleven <strong>of</strong> 12 country respondents supplied information about <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> board members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir Association. The standard<br />
number <strong>of</strong> board members is between six and 22; Cuba has <strong>the</strong> largest number with 22 members on <strong>the</strong> board. Panama did not<br />
supply this information.<br />
One question specifically asked for <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people serving as a member on <strong>the</strong> national board; seven <strong>of</strong> 12 country<br />
respondents (Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Suriname) have 100% <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
on <strong>the</strong> board. Guyana has <strong>the</strong> least number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people on <strong>the</strong> board, with two out <strong>of</strong> six members being <strong>Deaf</strong>; thus 33% <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> people run <strong>the</strong>ir organisation’s affairs. The general average <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people serving as a board member in countries in<br />
WFD MCAC is 83%.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r question queried <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> women serving on boards. Nicaragua has five <strong>Deaf</strong> women out <strong>of</strong> a total <strong>of</strong> seven<br />
board members (71%) and Cuba has <strong>the</strong> smallest female representation with one out <strong>of</strong> 19 members being a woman (5%). Only<br />
two countries (Mexico and Nicaragua) have more <strong>Deaf</strong> female board members than <strong>Deaf</strong> male members. The approximate<br />
average <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> women serving on Boards in Mexico, Central America and <strong>the</strong> Caribbean is 34%.<br />
Ten <strong>of</strong> 12 country respondents have committees for specific areas <strong>of</strong> interest or affiliation with o<strong>the</strong>r relevant independent<br />
groups as follows:<br />
• Seven (70%) Countries have a committee on Sign Language Research<br />
• Six (60%) Countries have committees for <strong>Deaf</strong> Education, <strong>Deaf</strong>blind, Sign Language Interpreting and Sports Groups<br />
• Five (50%) Countries have committees for <strong>Deaf</strong> Youth, and <strong>Deaf</strong> People with O<strong>the</strong>r Disabilities<br />
• Four (40%) Countries have committees for Children <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Adults, Cultural Groups for <strong>Deaf</strong> People, <strong>Deaf</strong> Women and<br />
Parents <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Children<br />
• Three (30%) Countries have a committee for <strong>Deaf</strong> Seniors and o<strong>the</strong>r committees<br />
• Two (20%) Countries have a committee for Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Bisexual<br />
Guyana and Suriname stated <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>Deaf</strong> Groups do not have any committees.<br />
In reference to <strong>the</strong> employment <strong>of</strong> staff members, only four countries (Cuba, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua) supplied<br />
this information; while eight countries (Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guyana, Haiti, Mexico, Panama and<br />
Suriname) do not have any staff members. Cuba has <strong>the</strong> largest number <strong>of</strong> staff members, both <strong>Deaf</strong> and Hearing, at 39.<br />
Honduras has 88% <strong>Deaf</strong> employees within <strong>the</strong> organisation while Cuba has a small group <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> employees (21%).<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 14<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
The final question in this section queried whe<strong>the</strong>r any <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> countries had a <strong>Deaf</strong> Chief Executive, Executive Director or <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Person-In-Charge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong>/<strong>Deaf</strong> Group. The four countries reporting in <strong>the</strong> affirmative were<br />
Cuba, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.<br />
4.2 Population <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> People<br />
Six <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 12 country respondents (Costa Rica, Cuba, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, and Panama) stated that <strong>the</strong>ir government has<br />
an <strong>of</strong>ficial number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people in <strong>the</strong>ir country as shown below:<br />
Country<br />
Does your country’s government have any <strong>of</strong>ficial number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people in your<br />
country?<br />
Total <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
Costa Rica Yes 26,235<br />
Cuba Yes 20,918<br />
Haiti Yes 18,948<br />
Honduras Yes 34,775<br />
Mexico Yes 2,000,000<br />
Panama Yes 9,000<br />
Total 6 Yes (50%) 2,109,876<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
The following shows <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people as recorded by seven country respondents <strong>the</strong>mselves (Cuba, Dominican<br />
Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama):<br />
Country<br />
Does your Association/Group have any <strong>of</strong>ficial or approximate figures <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people living in your country?<br />
Total <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
Cuba Yes 23,636<br />
Dominican Republic Yes 60,000 *<br />
El Salvador Yes 7,028<br />
Haiti Yes approx 120,000<br />
Honduras Yes 890<br />
Nicaragua Yes 793<br />
Panama Yes 9,000<br />
Total 7 Yes (58%) 221,347<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
* Please note: The Director <strong>of</strong> WFD MCAC obtained <strong>the</strong> number 60,000 for <strong>the</strong> Dominican Republic from CONADIS when he<br />
visited <strong>the</strong> Dominican Republic after <strong>the</strong> Regional Working Group Meeting.<br />
The next question in <strong>the</strong> survey provides an essential record <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people who use sign language as <strong>the</strong>ir primary language.<br />
Eight out <strong>of</strong> 12 countries reported <strong>the</strong>ir number <strong>of</strong> Sign Language Users as below:<br />
Country<br />
Does your Association/Group have any <strong>of</strong>ficial or approximate<br />
numbers <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people who use sign language as <strong>the</strong>ir primary<br />
language?<br />
Total Number <strong>of</strong> Sign Language Users<br />
Costa Rica Yes 498<br />
Cuba Yes 9,759<br />
Guatemala Yes 207<br />
Haiti Yes approx 40,000<br />
Honduras Yes 890<br />
Mexico Yes 300,000<br />
Nicaragua Yes 793<br />
Panama Yes 9,000<br />
Total 8 Yes (67%) 361,147<br />
Based on twelve respondents<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 15<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
Seven country respondents also recorded <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> female and <strong>Deaf</strong> male Sign Language Users:<br />
Country <strong>Deaf</strong> Women Sign Language Users <strong>Deaf</strong> Men Sign Language Users<br />
Costa Rica 199 299<br />
Cuba 4,542 5,217<br />
Haiti approx 22,000 approx 18,000<br />
Honduras 425 465<br />
Mexico 100,000 200,000<br />
Nicaragua 379 414<br />
Panama 5,000 4,000<br />
Total 132,545<br />
Based on seven respondents<br />
228,395<br />
An analysis <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> survey data indicates that <strong>the</strong> average percentage <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people who use sign language in five countries in<br />
<strong>the</strong> region <strong>of</strong> WFD MCAC is 39%.<br />
Country Total <strong>Deaf</strong> people (Associations’ estimates) Total Sign Language Users Average<br />
Cuba 23,636 9,759 41%<br />
Haiti approx 120,000 approx 40,000 33%<br />
Honduras 890 890 100%<br />
Nicaragua 793 793 100%<br />
Panama 9,000 9,000 100%<br />
Total 154,319 60,442 39%<br />
The survey approached all 12 countries with a clear question as to whe<strong>the</strong>r HIV/AIDS affected <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> women, men and<br />
children in <strong>the</strong>ir country. Two respondents (Cuba and Haiti) stated “Yes”; fur<strong>the</strong>r explanation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> situation <strong>of</strong> HIV/AIDS in<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Communities in <strong>the</strong>se countries can be found on page 52. Five countries (Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guyana,<br />
Honduras and Nicaragua) stated <strong>the</strong>y do not have any information about this; and five countries (El Salvador, Guatemala,<br />
Mexico, Panama and Suriname) answered “<strong>No</strong>”. Haiti is <strong>the</strong> only country that provided information on <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
people who are living with HIV/AIDS.<br />
It is a significant concern that 84% <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> respondents have no reliable information about <strong>the</strong> situation <strong>of</strong> HIV/AIDS within <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
own <strong>Deaf</strong> Communities.<br />
4.3 Legislation and Policies<br />
On <strong>the</strong> first day <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Regional Working Group Meeting, <strong>the</strong> Project Co-ordinator introduced <strong>the</strong> United Nations Convention on<br />
<strong>the</strong> Rights <strong>of</strong> Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) concentrating on <strong>the</strong> key articles relating to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community as follows:<br />
Article 2: Definition<br />
Article 9: Accessibility<br />
Article 21: Freedom <strong>of</strong> expression and opinion, and access to information<br />
Article 24: Education<br />
Article 30: Participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport<br />
At <strong>the</strong> time <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> meeting, 11 out <strong>of</strong> 12 survey respondents had signed <strong>the</strong> convention (Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic,<br />
El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama and Suriname); and only seven had signed <strong>the</strong><br />
protocol (Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Panama).<br />
The total number <strong>of</strong> countries targeted by <strong>the</strong> survey was 14, not counting <strong>the</strong> West Indies; from all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se, 12 countries<br />
(those on <strong>the</strong> list above and Trinidad and Tobago) have signed <strong>the</strong> convention. Only five <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 15 have ratified <strong>the</strong><br />
convention:<br />
• Cuba<br />
• El Salvador *<br />
• Mexico *<br />
• Nicaragua<br />
• Panama *<br />
Those countries with an asterisk have also signed <strong>the</strong> protocol.<br />
This section focussed on essential data collection about any legislation or policy relating to <strong>Deaf</strong> people in each country. The<br />
first question asked whe<strong>the</strong>r each country’s government recognised <strong>Deaf</strong> people as citizens on an equal basis as o<strong>the</strong>r citizens;<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 16<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
ten <strong>of</strong> 12 countries (83%) responded ‘Yes’ with a ‘<strong>No</strong>’ from Haiti and Suriname. The Regional Working Group, however,<br />
considered <strong>the</strong> chance that <strong>the</strong>se governments recognise <strong>Deaf</strong> people as equal as being very small; <strong>the</strong>y expressed doubt at<br />
<strong>the</strong> replies from those respondents who stated that <strong>the</strong>ir governments did.<br />
The next question asked whe<strong>the</strong>r each country has an <strong>of</strong>fice responsible for services for People with Disabilities, to which all<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country respondents answered ‘Yes’. Part <strong>of</strong> this question asked each country to provide contact details <strong>of</strong> this<br />
government <strong>of</strong>fice, and only Suriname did not; this information can be found on page 51.<br />
Nine <strong>of</strong> 12 countries confirmed <strong>the</strong>ir government has legislation or policy for <strong>Deaf</strong> People or People with Disabilities in<br />
general, and supplied a list <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> laws or policies (see page 51). All <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se laws and policies classified <strong>Deaf</strong> people under<br />
<strong>the</strong> larger group <strong>of</strong> People with Disabilities, and none <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m addressed <strong>the</strong> needs <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people as a group in itself.<br />
Guyana, Haiti and Suriname stated <strong>the</strong>ir current government does not have legislation covering <strong>Deaf</strong> people or People with<br />
Disabilities.<br />
Only seven <strong>of</strong> 12 countries (Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Panama and Suriname) have antidiscrimination<br />
legislation for People with Disabilities (including <strong>Deaf</strong> people, as stated above.)<br />
Eight <strong>of</strong> 12 countries (Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama and Suriname) stated <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
national governments provide services specifically for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community through government departments; four countries<br />
(Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Guyana and Haiti) said <strong>the</strong>ir government does not provide any services for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
community. For those countries where <strong>the</strong> government does provide services, <strong>the</strong> types <strong>of</strong> services are:<br />
• <strong>Deaf</strong> Education<br />
• Hearing Aid Service<br />
• Sign Language Interpreting Services<br />
• Social Welfare (Financial Assistance)<br />
The opinion <strong>of</strong> current services <strong>of</strong>fered by governments is generally that <strong>the</strong>y are average but need to increase <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
sensitivity to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> community’s needs as regards, for example, sign language interpreting services or better quality <strong>of</strong><br />
education for <strong>Deaf</strong> children.<br />
Those countries who stated that <strong>the</strong>ir government did not provide any service were requested to explain <strong>the</strong> reason for this;<br />
responses were along <strong>the</strong> lines <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> government not having expertise in <strong>the</strong> provision <strong>of</strong> community services for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
community.<br />
Ten <strong>of</strong> 12 country respondents have contact with <strong>the</strong>ir country’s current government. The type <strong>of</strong> contact is linked to <strong>the</strong><br />
Ministries and/or Government Agencies dealing with <strong>Deaf</strong> people’s welfare needs. Three countries (Costa Rica, Cuba and El<br />
Salvador) have membership status within <strong>the</strong> governmental committee on issues for People with Disabilities.<br />
Four <strong>of</strong> 12 country respondents (Costa Rica, Cuba, Guatemala and Honduras) receive funding from <strong>the</strong>ir national government<br />
with eight (Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guyana, Haiti, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama and Suriname) not receiving any<br />
government financial support at all. Those countries receiving government funding provided <strong>the</strong> annual amount <strong>the</strong>y received<br />
(see page 54) and explained <strong>the</strong> purpose <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> financial support.<br />
The last five questions <strong>of</strong> this section were to ascertain whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>Deaf</strong> people have a right to vote in national, regional and<br />
local elections; are permitted to obtain a driver’s licence; can marry <strong>Deaf</strong> or o<strong>the</strong>r partners; are allowed to have children;<br />
and can adopt children. The results are as follows:<br />
Yes<br />
Right to vote in<br />
national,<br />
regional and<br />
local elections?<br />
12 Countries<br />
(100%)<br />
<strong>No</strong> 0<br />
Allowed to obtain<br />
a driver’s licence?<br />
10 Countries<br />
(83%)<br />
2 Countries<br />
(17%)<br />
Allowed to marry<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> or o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
partners?<br />
Allowed to have<br />
children?<br />
12 Countries<br />
(100%) 12 Countries (100%)<br />
0 0<br />
Unknown 0 0 0 0<br />
4.4 Access to Government Services<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
Allowed to adopt<br />
children?<br />
10 Countries<br />
(83%)<br />
1 Country<br />
(8%)<br />
1 Country<br />
(8%)<br />
When asked whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>Deaf</strong> people have access to government services such as education, health care, employment, social<br />
welfare and o<strong>the</strong>r general government services, nine <strong>of</strong> 12 country respondents ticked ‘Yes’. The question asking how <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
people access <strong>the</strong>se government services was generally not answered correctly; only a couple countries stated that <strong>the</strong>y have<br />
laws guaranteeing <strong>the</strong>se services to <strong>Deaf</strong> people and that part <strong>of</strong> equal citizenship is that <strong>Deaf</strong> people are eligible to access<br />
government services.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r aspect <strong>of</strong> access to government services was whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>Deaf</strong> people were entitled to any financial assistance from <strong>the</strong><br />
government, to which nine <strong>of</strong> 12 respondents (Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana,<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 17<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua) answered ‘Yes’. The national government does not <strong>of</strong>fer any financial assistance to <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
people in Haiti, Panama and Suriname. The types <strong>of</strong> financial assistance <strong>of</strong>fered to <strong>Deaf</strong> people are shown in <strong>the</strong> table below:<br />
4.5 Access to <strong>the</strong> Media<br />
Disability Allowance General Pension Disability-Specific Pension O<strong>the</strong>r<br />
2 Countries<br />
5 Countries<br />
5 Countries<br />
4 Countries<br />
(17%)<br />
(42%)<br />
(42%)<br />
(33%)<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
Following are <strong>the</strong> results <strong>of</strong> access to <strong>the</strong> Media for <strong>Deaf</strong> people in <strong>the</strong>se 12 countries, based on three main questions:<br />
1) Does <strong>the</strong> government provide sign language services for news and/or current affairs programmes on public television?<br />
Seven countries (Costa Rica, Cuba, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico and Panama) stated <strong>the</strong>ir government<br />
provides sign language services for News Programmes on television. The length <strong>of</strong> time for sign language programmes<br />
on television ranged from once every week to a two-minute news broadcast during weekdays through to a one-hour<br />
news programme every morning.<br />
2) Does <strong>the</strong> government provide subtitles/captions for news and/or current affairs programme?<br />
Only three countries (Costa Rica, Cuba and Nicaragua) have access to subtitles/captions for news bulletins and<br />
movies, with <strong>the</strong> hours <strong>of</strong> captioning access ranging from one hour every month to only fifteen minutes between<br />
Monday and Friday.<br />
3) Does <strong>the</strong> government <strong>of</strong>fer any governmental documents in sign language?<br />
<strong>No</strong>ne <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> governments provides access for <strong>Deaf</strong> people to receive governmental documents in <strong>the</strong>ir sign language.<br />
4.6 Status <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> National Sign Language(s)<br />
These questions aimed to ga<strong>the</strong>r vital data on <strong>the</strong> status <strong>of</strong> national sign language(s) with findings as follows:<br />
• Six <strong>of</strong> 12 countries (Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico and Panama) stated <strong>the</strong>ir national sign<br />
language is formally recognised by <strong>the</strong>ir government<br />
• Six <strong>of</strong> 12 countries (Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua and Suriname) stated <strong>the</strong>ir sign language is not<br />
recognised by <strong>the</strong>ir government<br />
• For <strong>the</strong> six countries whose sign languages are recognised, recognition falls under <strong>the</strong> following categories:<br />
Costa Rica<br />
Cuba<br />
Country Legislation Policy<br />
Dominican Republic<br />
El Salvador<br />
Mexico <br />
Panama <br />
• Seven countries (Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua), continue to actively lobby <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
national government to recognise <strong>the</strong>ir sign languages<br />
• Five countries (Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Guyana, Panama and Suriname), do not lobby for recognition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir sign<br />
language with reasons given being that it not a priority issue; <strong>the</strong>re is a need for leaders to do this; <strong>the</strong> government does<br />
not recognise sign language as a language but only as a communication tool; and <strong>the</strong>re is no national sign language<br />
Eight <strong>of</strong> 12 countries (Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama) have a dictionary<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir national sign language.<br />
4.7 Access to Education<br />
The most important part <strong>of</strong> this survey was to ascertain whe<strong>the</strong>r every <strong>Deaf</strong> person was entitled to and had access to good<br />
quality education. There were eight questions, <strong>the</strong> first <strong>of</strong> which asked whe<strong>the</strong>r governments recognised that <strong>Deaf</strong> children<br />
and <strong>Deaf</strong> students have <strong>the</strong> right to receive an education. All 12 countries stated ‘Yes’ but only six (Costa Rica, Cuba,<br />
Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Panama) responded ‘Yes’ to <strong>the</strong> question asking if <strong>the</strong> government has legislation or a<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 18<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
policy on <strong>Deaf</strong> Education. All six countries were able to provide <strong>the</strong> specific name <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> legislation or policy relating to <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Education, <strong>the</strong> list <strong>of</strong> which is available on page 63.<br />
The Regional Working Group queried those six countries who replied that <strong>the</strong>re was no legislation or policy on <strong>Deaf</strong> Education;<br />
<strong>the</strong> Regional Co-ordinator has extensive experience in <strong>the</strong> field <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Education in <strong>the</strong> region, and he stated that in 1996<br />
every country’s government signed <strong>the</strong> “Law for Equal Opportunities for People with Disabilities” (Ley de Equiparación de<br />
Oportunidades para las personas con Discapacidad).<br />
The next aim was to collect information on educational settings for <strong>Deaf</strong> children and <strong>Deaf</strong> students in each country (11<br />
countries) as shown below:<br />
Early Intervention Kindergarten Primary Education<br />
Secondary<br />
Education<br />
7 Countries 8 Countries 9 Countries<br />
9 Countries<br />
(64%)<br />
(73%)<br />
(82%)<br />
(82%)<br />
Based on 11 respondents<br />
University<br />
Education<br />
5 Countries<br />
(45%)<br />
Vocational<br />
Education/Training<br />
6 Countries<br />
(55%)<br />
Four countries (Costa Rica, Cuba, Honduras and Panama) have educational settings from Early Intervention right up to<br />
University Education, as well as Vocational Education and Training. In Guatemala, <strong>the</strong> government is not responsible to<br />
manage schools for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> but <strong>the</strong>re are schools for <strong>Deaf</strong> children managed by private institutions.<br />
It was interesting to note that Haiti ticked ‘<strong>No</strong>’ for all education levels; this could be in error because to <strong>the</strong> question ‘Does<br />
your country have any schools specifically for <strong>Deaf</strong> children and <strong>Deaf</strong> students?’ <strong>the</strong>y responded ‘Yes’. It may be that <strong>the</strong>y<br />
thought <strong>the</strong> above question referred to <strong>the</strong> governmental school system while in <strong>the</strong>ir country <strong>the</strong> schools are run by private<br />
non-governmental organisations only.<br />
The WFD MCAC Regional Director visited <strong>the</strong> Dominican Republic where he was hoping to obtain information on educational<br />
settings; unfortunately he was unable to do so, <strong>the</strong>refore all information for <strong>the</strong> Dominican Republic is recorded as Unknown.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r question addressed Bilingual Education <strong>of</strong>fered by <strong>the</strong> government, and use <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> national sign language(s) for <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
children and <strong>Deaf</strong> students. Seven out <strong>of</strong> 12 countries (Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and<br />
Suriname) provided information about which levels <strong>of</strong> education are provided bilingually:<br />
Early Intervention Kindergarten<br />
6 Countries<br />
(86%)<br />
5 Countries<br />
(71%)<br />
Primary<br />
Secondary<br />
Education<br />
Education<br />
7 Countries 7 Countries<br />
(100%)<br />
(100%)<br />
Based on seven respondents<br />
University<br />
Education<br />
4 Countries<br />
(57%)<br />
Vocational<br />
Education/Training<br />
5 Countries<br />
(71%)<br />
The next question had <strong>the</strong> aim <strong>of</strong> recording <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> schools specifically for <strong>Deaf</strong> children and <strong>Deaf</strong> students; all 12<br />
countries provided replies. The largest number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> schools is in Cuba, which has 16; and <strong>the</strong> smallest number is in Guyana<br />
and Suriname, which each have only one. The total number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> schools, hearing schools with <strong>Deaf</strong> classrooms, <strong>Deaf</strong> units<br />
and o<strong>the</strong>rs, in all 12 countries is 96.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r question approached <strong>the</strong> type <strong>of</strong> educational communication methods for <strong>Deaf</strong> children and <strong>Deaf</strong> students at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
schools. All 12 countries provided this information; <strong>the</strong> summarised results are:<br />
Bilingual Education 1 Oral Method 2 Cued Speech 3 Oral and Sign Language<br />
(Total Communication) 4<br />
6 Countries 8 Countries 1 Country<br />
9 Countries<br />
(50%)<br />
(67%)<br />
(8%)<br />
(75%)<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
Auditory Verbal 5 O<strong>the</strong>r<br />
2 Countries<br />
(17%)<br />
1 Country<br />
(8%)<br />
1 Bilingual Education: Sign language is considered to be <strong>the</strong> natural language (‘mo<strong>the</strong>r tongue’) that will be acquired as a first<br />
language. Spoken language, which is not acquired naturally by <strong>Deaf</strong> children, will be learned as a second language as <strong>the</strong> child<br />
becomes cognitively/developmentally ready. Both languages are used throughout <strong>the</strong> child’s entire education.<br />
2 Oral Education: Spoken language is assumed to be <strong>the</strong> basis for standard social and academic communication, and <strong>the</strong> human<br />
system is assumed to be designed (pre-wired) to learn language expressed in speech. Children learn about and from spoken<br />
language. Also known as auditory-oral, aural/oral education. Emphasis on speech.<br />
3 Cued Speech: A visual mode <strong>of</strong> communication that uses hand shapes and placements in combination with <strong>the</strong> mouth<br />
movements <strong>of</strong> speech to make <strong>the</strong> phonemes <strong>of</strong> a spoken language look different from each o<strong>the</strong>r, resulting in a visual<br />
counterpart <strong>of</strong> a spoken language.<br />
4 Total Communication: All forms and modes <strong>of</strong> communications are used. This includes natural gestures, sign language,<br />
manually-coded spoken languages, sign systems, mime, audition and speech.<br />
5 Auditory Verbal Education: Supposes that even minimal amounts <strong>of</strong> residual hearing can lead to <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong><br />
spontaneous speech and language, if that residual hearing is stimulated. Children learn to process language through amplified<br />
hearing. A method <strong>of</strong> oral education with an emphasis on listening.<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 19<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
Overall, <strong>the</strong> dominant educational communication method in <strong>the</strong> WFD MCAC region is Oral, indicated by <strong>the</strong> averages between<br />
67% and 75% for <strong>the</strong> Oral Method and Oral and Sign Language. 50% <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> region’s countries have bilingual education for <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
children.<br />
The following questions were asked: ‘What is <strong>the</strong> general opinion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> level <strong>of</strong> education received by <strong>Deaf</strong> children and <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
students?’ and ‘What is <strong>the</strong> general opinion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> current literacy level <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> children and <strong>Deaf</strong> students?’ Full details as<br />
provided by all 12 respondents can be found on page 67.<br />
Most notably, <strong>the</strong>re are several comments stating that <strong>the</strong> current educational level is <strong>of</strong> a very low standard and that <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
people are not satisfied with <strong>the</strong> education system for <strong>Deaf</strong> children and students; one country stated that it is necessary to<br />
establish Bilingual Education because that will improve <strong>the</strong> quality <strong>of</strong> education for <strong>Deaf</strong> children.<br />
The 12 countries provided various opinions on <strong>the</strong> current level <strong>of</strong> literacy; however <strong>the</strong> common opinion is that it is poor or <strong>of</strong><br />
a low level. A strong statement came from Haiti - “<strong>Deaf</strong> people should not be taught reading and writing by <strong>the</strong> general<br />
community.” Only one country (Nicaragua) stated that <strong>the</strong> literacy levels are gradually improving especially for those children<br />
who use sign language.<br />
At <strong>the</strong> higher level <strong>of</strong> education, <strong>the</strong> survey questions sought information as to whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>Deaf</strong> people have access to University<br />
education and also asked each country to supply information about <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> Universities which <strong>of</strong>fer study placements<br />
for <strong>Deaf</strong> people. Only nine <strong>of</strong> 12 country respondents (Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico,<br />
Nicaragua, Panama and Suriname) have places for <strong>Deaf</strong> people to access University education. The number <strong>of</strong> Universities that<br />
are accessible for <strong>Deaf</strong> people in <strong>the</strong> WFD MCAC Region range widely from one State University in El Salvador and Honduras to<br />
all Universities in Cuba, Guatemala and Nicaragua; full details can be found on page 68.<br />
In those countries (Dominican Republic, Guyana and Haiti) where <strong>Deaf</strong> people do not have access to University education, <strong>the</strong><br />
reasons were that no <strong>Deaf</strong> students have received a secondary education and that <strong>the</strong>re is an unavailability <strong>of</strong> sign language<br />
interpreting services for <strong>Deaf</strong> students.<br />
The last question <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Education part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> survey asked about Sign Language Interpreting Services <strong>of</strong>fered for <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
students in University. Only five countries (Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras) stated that <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
have full access to sign language interpreting services for University.<br />
4.8 Status <strong>of</strong> Sign Language Interpreting Services<br />
To questions focusing on <strong>the</strong> status <strong>of</strong> sign language interpreting services, all 12 countries reported that <strong>the</strong>y have sign<br />
language interpreters. The next question asked <strong>the</strong>m to provide <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> sign language interpreters, to which <strong>the</strong><br />
response ranged from two in Suriname to 434 in Cuba.<br />
The survey next aimed to gain specific information as to whe<strong>the</strong>r any <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se sign language interpreters are appropriately<br />
qualified, to which seven out <strong>of</strong> 12 countries responded (Costa Rica, Cuba, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and<br />
Suriname). When asked where people go to obtain training to become a qualified sign language interpreter <strong>the</strong> answers were:<br />
University Community College National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> O<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
6 Countries (86%) 1 Country (14%) 2 Countries (29%) 2 Countries (29%)<br />
Based on seven respondents<br />
Three <strong>of</strong> those respondents (Costa Rica, Mexico and Nicaragua) stated <strong>the</strong> National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> co-operates with<br />
<strong>the</strong> University for Sign Language Interpreter Training.<br />
The length <strong>of</strong> training ranged from less than one year up to five years (fur<strong>the</strong>r details on page 70).<br />
The current number <strong>of</strong> sign language interpreters with formal interpreting qualifications starts with only two qualified<br />
interpreters in Suriname up to 434 interpreters in Cuba. Haiti reported that <strong>the</strong>y have no qualified sign language interpreters<br />
in <strong>the</strong>ir country because sign language is not recognised by <strong>the</strong>ir government.<br />
When queried about how <strong>Deaf</strong> people access sign language interpreting, nine out <strong>of</strong> 12 countries stated such services are<br />
accessed through a Sign Language Interpreter Association, <strong>Deaf</strong> Association, Religious Groups, <strong>Deaf</strong> School and <strong>the</strong><br />
telecommunication system (text, fax or email). Ano<strong>the</strong>r question designed to collect information about who is responsible for<br />
providing sign language interpreting services for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community and answered by nine countries (Costa Rica, Cuba, El<br />
Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama) resulted in <strong>the</strong> following findings:<br />
Government National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Private Sector O<strong>the</strong>r<br />
0 Countries<br />
(0%)<br />
9 Countries<br />
2 Countries<br />
(100%)<br />
(22%)<br />
Based on nine respondents<br />
5 Countries<br />
(56%)<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 20<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
The types <strong>of</strong> sign language interpreting services <strong>of</strong>fered to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> community in nine countries (Costa Rica, Cuba, El<br />
Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama) are:<br />
Sign Language Interpreting Services Country/Average Percentage<br />
Social Services 9 (100%)<br />
Court Services 8 (89%)<br />
Health/Medical Services 8 (89%)<br />
Educational Services 8 (89%)<br />
Employment Services 8 (89%)<br />
Funerals/Weddings 8 (89%)<br />
Counselling Services 7 (78%)<br />
Entertainment 7 (78%)<br />
Financial Institutions 5 (56%)<br />
Based on nine respondents<br />
The Regional Working Group stressed that not all interpreting services are available in rural cities in each country in <strong>the</strong> WFD<br />
MCAC Region. These interpreting services are available mainly in <strong>the</strong> capital cities.<br />
Ten respondents provided <strong>the</strong>ir general opinion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se sign language interpreting services. The broad opinion is that <strong>the</strong><br />
services are satisfactory. However some comments were made that <strong>the</strong>re is a need to develop sign language materials to<br />
support <strong>the</strong> interpreters; a need to expand <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> interpreters; a need to have a solid training programme available<br />
for sign language interpreters; and one country expressed dissatisfaction with <strong>the</strong> interpreting training programme provided<br />
by <strong>the</strong> University.<br />
Ten <strong>of</strong> 12 respondents stated that sign language interpreters receive payment for <strong>the</strong>ir interpreting assignments, with <strong>the</strong><br />
responsibility for remitting payment as follows:<br />
Government National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> People O<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
4 Countries (40%) 7 Countries (70%) 6 Countries (60%) 7 Countries (70%)<br />
Based on 10 respondents<br />
• Four country’s governments, in Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico and Panama, are responsible for payment <strong>of</strong><br />
interpreting services<br />
• In seven countries (Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras and Panama) <strong>the</strong> National Association<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> provides funding for <strong>the</strong> service<br />
• Six countries (Costa Rica, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, and Panama) stated that <strong>Deaf</strong> people <strong>the</strong>mselves pay<br />
for <strong>the</strong> service<br />
• Seven countries (Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras and Nicaragua) stated that “O<strong>the</strong>rs”<br />
responsible to pay for <strong>the</strong> service include Universities, a Television Station, Event Organisers and <strong>the</strong> Association <strong>of</strong><br />
Sign Language Interpreters<br />
The National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong>/<strong>Deaf</strong> Group in <strong>the</strong> Dominican Republic and in Suriname stated that sign language<br />
interpreters do not receive any payment for <strong>the</strong>ir interpreting services.<br />
One country (El Salvador) provides a translation service for <strong>Deaf</strong> people’s business correspondence; for <strong>the</strong> fee <strong>of</strong> 0.66 Euro<br />
cents per page, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> person signs a message and <strong>the</strong> translator writes it down.<br />
Ten from 12 countries (Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama)<br />
responded to <strong>the</strong> question asking what <strong>the</strong> average rate per hour for sign language interpreters is. The lowest payment is<br />
1.32€ per hour in El Salvador; and <strong>the</strong> highest hourly payments are 21.64€ per hour in Mexico and 45.17€ per hour as reported<br />
by Haiti (which amount may be incorrect). Payment scales can be found on page 72.<br />
Four countries (Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Suriname) stated <strong>the</strong>ir sign language interpreters provide<br />
voluntary services for all assignments and seven o<strong>the</strong>r countries (El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua<br />
and Panama) stated that <strong>the</strong>ir interpreters do voluntary services sometimes; only one country (Cuba) stated that <strong>the</strong>ir sign<br />
language interpreters do not provide voluntary services for interpreting assignments.<br />
The question seeking whe<strong>the</strong>r each country has a National Association <strong>of</strong> Sign Language Interpreters brought to light that only<br />
five countries (Costa Rica, Haiti, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama) have a national organisation for Sign Language Interpreters.<br />
However, seven <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 12 countries (Costa Rica, Cuba, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Suriname) have <strong>the</strong>ir own<br />
national Code <strong>of</strong> Ethics for Sign Language Interpreters.<br />
The last question for this section sought information about legislation or policies which state <strong>the</strong> government has a<br />
responsibility for <strong>the</strong> provision <strong>of</strong> sign language interpreting services. Five out <strong>of</strong> 12 countries (Costa Rica, Guatemala,<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 21<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
Honduras, Mexico and Panama) reported in <strong>the</strong> affirmative and provided <strong>the</strong> title <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir legislation, which can be found on<br />
page 75.<br />
4.9 Employment<br />
This survey sought to ga<strong>the</strong>r information on employment settings for <strong>Deaf</strong> people in <strong>the</strong> WFD MCAC region. The first question<br />
was to confirm whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> government considers that <strong>Deaf</strong> people have a right to be employed and earn a standard salary.<br />
All <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 12 country respondents except one (Suriname) stated ‘<strong>No</strong>’. The next question was whe<strong>the</strong>r any <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> national<br />
governments have any anti-discrimination laws in <strong>the</strong> area <strong>of</strong> employment, especially for <strong>Deaf</strong> people or People with<br />
Disabilities. Only five countries (El Salvador, Guyana, Haiti, Nicaragua and Suriname) do not have laws against discrimination<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people or People with Disabilities. Seven countries (Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras,<br />
Mexico and Panama) provided a list <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> legislation or policies relating to anti-discrimination in employment (found on page<br />
76). It is interesting to note that <strong>the</strong>re may be a conflict with El Salvador, Guyana, Haiti and Nicaragua, who stated <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
governments do not consider that <strong>Deaf</strong> people have a right to be employed and earn a standard salary when <strong>the</strong>se countries<br />
have anti-discrimination legislation for People with Disabilities.<br />
To <strong>the</strong> question about <strong>of</strong>ficial figures about <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people who are in paid employment, only two countries (Cuba<br />
and Panama) provided this information.<br />
Country Total Number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people employed<br />
Cuba 7,528<br />
Panama 5,000<br />
Ten countries (Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama) ticked <strong>the</strong><br />
most common areas <strong>of</strong> work for <strong>Deaf</strong> people in <strong>the</strong>ir country with <strong>the</strong> results being:<br />
Most Common areas <strong>of</strong> work for <strong>Deaf</strong> people in WFD MCAC<br />
Country/Average Percentage<br />
Based on 10 respondents<br />
Cleaning 10 Countries (100%)<br />
Carpentry 9 Countries (90%)<br />
Education 9 Countries (90%)<br />
Hairdresser 9 Countries (90%)<br />
Building 8 Countries (80%)<br />
Tailoring 8 Countries (80%)<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r 8 Countries (80%)<br />
Car Mechanic 7 Countries (70%)<br />
Farm Work 7 Countries (70%)<br />
Painter 7 Countries (70%)<br />
Printer 7 Countries (70%)<br />
Sign Language Work 7 Countries (70%)<br />
Welding 7 Countries (70%)<br />
Bakery 6 Countries (60%)<br />
Office Administration 5 Countries (50%)<br />
Panel Beating 5 Countries (50%)<br />
Theatre/Arts 4 Countries (40%)<br />
Shoe Repairing 4 Countries (40%)<br />
Financial Industry 3 Countries (30%)<br />
Jeweller 3 Countries (30%)<br />
Catering 2 Countries (20%)<br />
Engineering 2 Countries (20%)<br />
Management 2 Countries (20%)<br />
Research Projects 2 Countries (20%)<br />
Social Services 1 Country (10%)<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 22<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
Ano<strong>the</strong>r question sought information on <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people who are unemployed, and none <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 12 respondents had<br />
this information. However, <strong>the</strong>y did state that <strong>the</strong> reasons for unemployment were <strong>the</strong> lack <strong>of</strong> an equal employment<br />
opportunity law; <strong>the</strong> low level <strong>of</strong> education; and communication difficulties.<br />
The final question asked if <strong>the</strong>re were any employment services to assist unemployed <strong>Deaf</strong> people to find positions and also<br />
asked who is responsible for this service. Seven out <strong>of</strong> 12 countries (Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guatemala,<br />
Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua) have specialised services <strong>of</strong>fered by both <strong>the</strong> Government Employment Service and <strong>the</strong><br />
National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> to assist <strong>Deaf</strong> people to gain employment.<br />
4.10 General Comments<br />
Five issues <strong>of</strong> common concern faced by every National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong>/<strong>Deaf</strong> Group globally were listed, and all 12<br />
countries prioritised <strong>the</strong>se issues for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> community in <strong>the</strong>ir country. Please note: <strong>the</strong> majority <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> countries ticked<br />
more than one ‘highest priority’. The results are:<br />
Highest Priority Issues Country/Average Percentage<br />
Better quality <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Education 11 Countries (92%)<br />
Recognition <strong>of</strong> your country’s Sign Language(s) by your country’s Government 8 Countries (67%)<br />
Equal Opportunity in Employment 8 Countries (67%)<br />
Improved quality and access to Government and Community Services 7 Countries (58%)<br />
Better Sign Language Interpreting quality and services 6 Countries (50%)<br />
O<strong>the</strong>rs 3 Countries (25%)<br />
O<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
• Consideration must be given to Human Rights Issues for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community<br />
• Provision <strong>of</strong> information to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community is necessary<br />
• Increased knowledge about <strong>Deaf</strong> Awareness is necessary<br />
Leadership Training Programme<br />
Counselling Service for parents and families <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
The final part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> survey provided <strong>the</strong> opportunity for each country to list any o<strong>the</strong>r concerns about <strong>the</strong> standard <strong>of</strong> living<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people. Eight countries (Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico and<br />
Panama) took <strong>the</strong> opportunity and expressed <strong>the</strong> following common areas <strong>of</strong> concern:<br />
Government<br />
• Provision <strong>of</strong> financial support for project work<br />
• Attention to vital issues for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> community (e.g. Education, Employment, Health and Security and Social<br />
Welfare)<br />
• Access to government services needs to be improved<br />
• Government must take responsibility to achieve a better quality <strong>of</strong> life for <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
Education<br />
• The quality <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Education must be improved<br />
• Legislation must be created to enable access to Higher Education for <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
• Government should take responsibility to manage <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Schools (including provision <strong>of</strong> financial support)<br />
• Teachers should be fluent in sign language<br />
Sign Language<br />
• Sign Language teachers should be <strong>Deaf</strong> people only<br />
• Recognition <strong>of</strong> sign language should become a priority issue<br />
• Partnerships with international organisations should be established in order to research sign language<br />
Sign Language Interpreters<br />
• Quality <strong>of</strong> sign language interpreting services must be improved<br />
• Partnerships with international organisations should be established to provide training for Sign Language Interpreters<br />
Employment<br />
• Equal Employment Opportunities for <strong>Deaf</strong> people should be promoted<br />
• Vocational Training for <strong>Deaf</strong> people is necessary<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 23<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
O<strong>the</strong>r<br />
• Human Rights for <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
• <strong>Deaf</strong> Leadership Training<br />
• <strong>Deaf</strong> Association to be accepted as a legitimate organisation by Government and o<strong>the</strong>r non-governmental<br />
organisations<br />
• Affiliation with international organisations must be established<br />
• Telecommunications Access should be available for <strong>Deaf</strong> people (e.g. TTY)<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 24<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
5.0 Recommendations<br />
This section is based on <strong>the</strong> recommendations prepared by <strong>the</strong> members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Regional Working Group that met in San Jose,<br />
Costa Rica, on 25 th – 27th March, 2008 to pursue <strong>the</strong> issues highlighted in <strong>the</strong> report. The current economic situation in <strong>the</strong><br />
WFD MCAC region, especially for <strong>the</strong> countries categorised under <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> Bank Classification as Low Income or Low Middle<br />
Income (Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua and Suriname), has an impact on any <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
governments’ abilities to fund programmes to support <strong>the</strong>se initiatives.<br />
It may be necessary for <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD) and Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) to seek<br />
external support for <strong>the</strong> region, i.e. to seek project support and funding via partnerships with Shia and o<strong>the</strong>r relevant<br />
organisations.<br />
The Regional Working Group brainstormed about issues brought to light by <strong>the</strong> survey as urgent needs for <strong>the</strong> members in<br />
Mexico, Central America and <strong>the</strong> Caribbean. From this <strong>the</strong>y identified training needs for <strong>the</strong> region.<br />
The Regional Working Group recommended that any and all training should be available in sign language and conducted by<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Trainers and Experts. The Regional Working Group has identified <strong>the</strong> major needs as being:<br />
5.1 Increase Knowledge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United Nations Conventions<br />
After receiving training on <strong>the</strong> various conventions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United Nations, <strong>the</strong> Regional Working Group considered knowledge<br />
<strong>of</strong> current conventions a powerful tool for each country’s <strong>Deaf</strong> Community. Training should be provided about <strong>the</strong>:<br />
• Universal Declaration <strong>of</strong> Human Rights<br />
• International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights<br />
• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights<br />
• Convention on <strong>the</strong> Rights <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Child<br />
• Convention on <strong>the</strong> Elimination <strong>of</strong> all Forms <strong>of</strong> Discrimination Against Women<br />
• Periodic reporting, <strong>the</strong> new system <strong>of</strong> Universal Periodic Reviews and also shadow/alternative reports from NGOs<br />
5.2 Training on <strong>the</strong> United Nations Convention on <strong>the</strong> Rights <strong>of</strong> Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)<br />
In <strong>the</strong> region, five out <strong>of</strong> 12 governments have ratified <strong>the</strong> Convention. Ideally each member <strong>of</strong> WFD MCAC should receive full<br />
training in understanding <strong>the</strong> CRPD in its entirety, to enable <strong>the</strong>m to prepare for <strong>the</strong>ir advocacy role within areas such as:<br />
1. How to lobby Government to sign and ratify CRPD (who, how, what)<br />
2. How <strong>the</strong> National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> can become an expert with <strong>the</strong>ir national government for <strong>the</strong> five articles<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> CRPD specifically related to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community<br />
3. How to prepare and advise <strong>the</strong> national government about <strong>the</strong> five articles <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> CRPD relating to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Community including budget preparation, advisory roles, and appropriate systems/appointments/procedures<br />
5.3 Training for <strong>the</strong> National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> and <strong>Deaf</strong> Groups/Organisations<br />
The process would ideally also include training <strong>of</strong> individual members and board members <strong>of</strong> every National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> and <strong>Deaf</strong> Group/Organisation in <strong>the</strong> region <strong>of</strong> WFD MCAC, and include subjects such as:<br />
• WFD Policies<br />
• International Network and Roles <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United Nations, WFD, WFD Regional Secretariats<br />
• Global Models <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Communities and Organisations, e.g. WFD, and <strong>the</strong>ir work<br />
• Human Rights<br />
• Gender Issues<br />
• <strong>Deaf</strong> Education/Bilingualism for <strong>Deaf</strong> Students<br />
• Review <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Education<br />
• Sign Language Work<br />
• Sign Language Interpreting<br />
• Media for <strong>Deaf</strong> People<br />
• <strong>Deaf</strong> Employment/Vocational Training<br />
• National Legislation/Local Government Systems<br />
• Leadership<br />
• Empowerment and Democracy<br />
• Advocacy by <strong>the</strong> National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
• <strong>Deaf</strong>hood (<strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> collective existence; a process by which <strong>Deaf</strong> individuals come to actualise <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>Deaf</strong> identity)<br />
• Mental Health<br />
• HIV and AIDS Awareness<br />
• <strong>Deaf</strong> Employment<br />
• Self Esteem/Self Confidence<br />
This training will endeavour to provide empowerment and self-reliance to <strong>the</strong> National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> and <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Groups/Organisations as <strong>the</strong>y act in accordance with <strong>the</strong>ir obligations to advocate and improve <strong>the</strong> status <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
community in <strong>the</strong>ir country.<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 25<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
5.4 Organisational Development Training for Board and Senior Management<br />
The members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Regional Working Group raised <strong>the</strong> strong need to provide organisational management training for all WFD<br />
MCAC Board Members and Senior Management Staff as follows:<br />
1. How to prepare Policy Statements<br />
2. Understanding current legislation available in <strong>the</strong> region<br />
3. Advocacy to and lobbying <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> government for services, legislation and policy for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community<br />
4. Financial Management/Fundraising/Grants and Project funding from or by <strong>the</strong> governments<br />
5. Strategy Development to lobby governments to recognise national sign language(s)<br />
6. General Information about Sign Language Interpreters Training Programmes:-<br />
• Appointment <strong>of</strong> appropriate Interpreter Trainers for <strong>the</strong> training<br />
• How to prepare interpreter training programmes<br />
• How to provide interpreting services<br />
• How to accredit interpreters<br />
• General policies on Sign Language Interpreters Services<br />
• Code <strong>of</strong> Ethics<br />
7. Membership Issues regarding hearing people’s involvement with an Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> run by <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
8. Understanding <strong>the</strong> different definitions <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> and Hearing Impaired<br />
9. Information about HIV/AIDS for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community, including <strong>the</strong> urgent need for an HIV/AIDS Education Training<br />
Programme for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community and an appropriate training kit<br />
10. Training for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Youth Community and Leadership Training for <strong>Deaf</strong> Youth<br />
11. Training for <strong>Deaf</strong> Women<br />
The Project Co-ordinator proposes that <strong>the</strong> training outlined below is necessary to supplement <strong>the</strong> above recommendations<br />
from <strong>the</strong> Regional Working Group:<br />
5.5 Organisational Review and Training for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community<br />
Essentially, a re-evaluation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> overall vision to provide clear direction for <strong>the</strong> organisation as a whole, in accordance with<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD) aims. The process should focus on <strong>the</strong> following areas:<br />
• Political strength<br />
• Vision, Mission and Aims <strong>of</strong> an organisation <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
• Clear definitions <strong>of</strong> roles and responsibilities in a structure with National, Regional and Local <strong>Deaf</strong> Associations<br />
• Community relationship and communication structure to be developed and put into place (including <strong>the</strong> importance<br />
<strong>of</strong> transparency)<br />
• Representation and <strong>the</strong> role <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong>, hard <strong>of</strong> hearing and hearing people within <strong>the</strong> organisation<br />
The Project Co-ordinator believes it is necessary to develop a blueprint <strong>of</strong> a national strategy for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> community for each<br />
National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> in <strong>the</strong> region <strong>of</strong> WFD MCAC.<br />
5.6 Advocacy for <strong>the</strong> Improvement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Standard <strong>of</strong> Living for <strong>Deaf</strong> People<br />
It can be seen that sports and cultural activities are prominent in National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> work, and that essential<br />
lobbying for <strong>the</strong> improvement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> standard <strong>of</strong> living for <strong>Deaf</strong> people is sometimes lacking or difficult to achieve.<br />
A recommendation on how to address this issue is to seek partnership to conduct comprehensive data collection on <strong>the</strong> living<br />
standards <strong>of</strong> a representative sample <strong>of</strong> individual <strong>Deaf</strong> people, including vital aspects such as:<br />
• Socio-economic status<br />
• Education<br />
• Literacy skills<br />
• Employment<br />
• Access to sign language interpreting services<br />
• Access to health services<br />
• Access to government services<br />
• Access to <strong>the</strong> media<br />
An essential part <strong>of</strong> this advocacy process is to utilise existing tools such as legal documents, reports and international human<br />
rights documents relevant to <strong>Deaf</strong> people, in order to make valid proposals and arguments to better equality and living<br />
conditions. (The WFD Fact Sheet on Human Rights can be found on http://www.wfdeaf.org/pdf/fact_humanrights.pdf)<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 26<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
5.7 Fur<strong>the</strong>r Situation Analysis Research in <strong>the</strong> Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Region<br />
At present, <strong>the</strong>re are nine countries in <strong>the</strong> region comprising Mexico, Central America and <strong>the</strong> Caribbean that may not have a<br />
national body representing <strong>Deaf</strong> people who use sign language. It is necessary to consider seeking funding to carry out<br />
situation analysis research in <strong>the</strong> following countries:<br />
1. Antigua - Barbuda<br />
2. Bahamas<br />
3. Dominica<br />
4. Jamaica<br />
5. Puerto Rico<br />
6. Saint Kitts and Nevis<br />
7. Saint Lucia<br />
8. Saint Vincent and <strong>the</strong> Grenadines<br />
9. Sao Tome and Prince<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 27<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
6.0 Geography and Population<br />
All <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> following information was obtained from <strong>the</strong> Central Intelligence Agency – <strong>World</strong> Factbook<br />
(https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/<strong>the</strong>-world-factbook/index.html)<br />
6.1 Costa Rica<br />
6.2 Cuba<br />
Population: 11,423,952 (July 2008 est.)<br />
Population: 4,133,884 (July 2007 est.)<br />
Ethnic<br />
groups:<br />
White (including Mestizo) 94%, black 3%, Amerindian 1%, Chinese<br />
1%, o<strong>the</strong>r 1%<br />
Religions: Roman Catholic 76.3%, Evangelical 13.7%, Jehovah's Witnesses<br />
1.3%, o<strong>the</strong>r Protestant 0.7%, o<strong>the</strong>r 4.8%, none 3.2%<br />
Languages: Spanish (<strong>of</strong>ficial), English<br />
Ethnic groups: Mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish) 60%, Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian 30%, white 9%, o<strong>the</strong>r 1%<br />
Religions: <strong>No</strong>minally 85% Roman Catholic prior to CASTRO assuming power; Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews,<br />
and Sanitaria are also represented<br />
Language: Spanish<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 28<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
6.3 Dominican Republic<br />
6.4 El Salvador<br />
6.5 Guatemala<br />
Population: 9,365,818 (July 2007 est.)<br />
Ethnic<br />
groups:<br />
mixed 73%, white 16%, black 11%<br />
Religions: Roman Catholic 95%, o<strong>the</strong>r 5%<br />
Language: Spanish<br />
Population: 6,948,073 (July 2007 est.)<br />
Ethnic<br />
groups:<br />
Mestizo 90%, white 9%, Amerindian 1%<br />
Religions: Roman Catholic 83%, o<strong>the</strong>r 17%<br />
note: <strong>the</strong>re is extensive activity by Protestant groups throughout<br />
<strong>the</strong> country; by <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 1992, <strong>the</strong>re were an estimated 1<br />
million Protestant evangelicals in El Salvador<br />
Languages: Spanish, Nahua (among some Amerindians)<br />
Population: 12,728,111 (July 2007 est.)<br />
Ethnic<br />
groups:<br />
Mestizo (mixed Amerindian-Spanish - in local Spanish called<br />
Ladino) and European 59.4%, K'iche 9.1%, Kaqchikel 8.4%, Mam<br />
7.9%, Q'eqchi 6.3%, o<strong>the</strong>r Mayan 8.6%, indigenous non-Mayan<br />
0.2%, o<strong>the</strong>r 0.1% (2001 census)<br />
Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous Mayan beliefs<br />
Languages: Spanish 60%, Amerindian languages 40% (23 <strong>of</strong>ficially recognized<br />
Amerindian languages, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi,<br />
Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca)<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 29<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
6.6 Guyana<br />
6.7 Haiti<br />
6.8 Honduras<br />
Population: 770,794<br />
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account <strong>the</strong><br />
effects <strong>of</strong> excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower<br />
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates,<br />
lower population growth rates, and changes in <strong>the</strong> distribution <strong>of</strong><br />
population by age and sex than would o<strong>the</strong>rwise be expected<br />
(July 2008 est.)<br />
Ethnic<br />
groups:<br />
East Indian 50%, black 36%, Amerindian 7%, white, Chinese, and<br />
mixed 7%<br />
Religions: Christian 50%, Hindu 35%, Muslim 10%, o<strong>the</strong>r 5%<br />
Languages: English, Amerindian dialects, Creole, Caribbean Hindustani (a<br />
dialect <strong>of</strong> Hindi), Urdu<br />
Population: 8,924,553<br />
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account <strong>the</strong><br />
effects <strong>of</strong> excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower<br />
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates,<br />
lower population growth rates, and changes in <strong>the</strong> distribution <strong>of</strong><br />
population by age and sex than would o<strong>the</strong>rwise be expected<br />
(July 2008 est.)<br />
Ethnic<br />
groups:<br />
Population: 7,483,763<br />
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account <strong>the</strong><br />
effects <strong>of</strong> excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower<br />
life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower<br />
population and growth rates, and changes in <strong>the</strong> distribution <strong>of</strong><br />
population by age and sex than would o<strong>the</strong>rwise be expected<br />
(July 2007 est.)<br />
Ethnic<br />
groups:<br />
black 95%, mulatto and white 5%<br />
Religions: Roman Catholic 80%, Protestant 16% (Baptist 10%, Pentecostal<br />
4%, Adventist 1%, o<strong>the</strong>r 1%), none 1%, o<strong>the</strong>r 3%<br />
note: roughly half <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> population practices voodoo<br />
Languages: French (<strong>of</strong>ficial), Creole (<strong>of</strong>ficial)<br />
Mestizo (mixed Amerindian and European) 90%, Amerindian 7%,<br />
black 2%, white 1%<br />
Religions: Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant 3%<br />
Languages: Spanish, Amerindian dialects<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 30<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
6.9 Mexico<br />
Population: 108,700,891 (July 2007 est.)<br />
Ethnic groups: Mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish) 60%, Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian 30%, white 9%, o<strong>the</strong>r 1%<br />
Religions: Roman Catholic 76.5%, Protestant 6.3% (Pentecostal 1.4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.1%, o<strong>the</strong>r 3.8%), o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
0.3%, unspecified 13.8%, none 3.1% (2000 census)<br />
Languages: Spanish, various Mayan, Nahuatl, and o<strong>the</strong>r regional indigenous languages<br />
6.10 Nicaragua<br />
Population: 5,675,356 (July 2007 est.)<br />
Ethnic groups: Mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 69%, white 17%, black<br />
9%, Amerindian 5%<br />
Religions: Roman Catholic 72.9%, Evangelical 15.1%, Moravian 1.5%,<br />
Episcopal 0.1%, o<strong>the</strong>r 1.9%, none 8.5% (1995 census)<br />
Languages: Spanish 97.5% (<strong>of</strong>ficial), Miskito 1.7%, o<strong>the</strong>r 0.8% (1995 census)<br />
note: English and indigenous languages on Atlantic coast<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 31<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
6.11 Panama<br />
Population: 3,242,173 (July 2007 est.)<br />
Ethnic groups: Mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 70%, Amerindian and mixed (West Indian) 14%, white 10%,<br />
Amerindian 6%<br />
Religions: Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15%<br />
Languages: Spanish (<strong>of</strong>ficial), English 14%; note - many Panamanians bilingual<br />
6.12 Suriname<br />
Population: 475,996 (July 2008 est.)<br />
Ethnic groups: Hindustani (also known locally as "East Indians"; <strong>the</strong>ir ancestors<br />
emigrated from nor<strong>the</strong>rn India in <strong>the</strong> latter part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 19th<br />
century) 37%, Creole (mixed white and black) 31%, Javanese<br />
15%, "Maroons" (<strong>the</strong>ir African ancestors were brought to <strong>the</strong><br />
country in <strong>the</strong> 17th and 18th centuries as slaves and escaped to<br />
<strong>the</strong> interior) 10%, Amerindian 2%, Chinese 2%, white 1%, o<strong>the</strong>r 2%<br />
Religions: Hindu 27.4%, Protestant 25.2% (predominantly Moravian), Roman<br />
Catholic 22.8%, Muslim 19.6%, indigenous beliefs 5%<br />
Languages: Dutch (<strong>of</strong>ficial), English (widely spoken), Sranang Tongo<br />
(Surinamese, sometimes called Taki-Taki, is native language <strong>of</strong><br />
Creoles and much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> younger population and is lingua franca<br />
among o<strong>the</strong>rs), Caribbean Hindustani (a dialect <strong>of</strong> Hindi),<br />
Javanese<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 32<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
7.0 Survey Results<br />
7.1.0 Contact Details<br />
Country Costa Rica (WFD Ordinary Member)<br />
Country Classification Upper Middle Income<br />
Name <strong>of</strong> Association Costa Rican National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Name <strong>of</strong> Association in National Language Asociación Nacional de Sordos de Costa Rica - ANASCOR<br />
Address De la Iglesia Santa Teresita Casa <strong>No</strong> 300<br />
City, Post Code Barrio Escalante, San Jose, 6552-1000<br />
Country Costa Rica<br />
Website http://www.anascor.org/index.asp<br />
anascor74@gmail.com<br />
Email<br />
anascor74@hotmail.com<br />
Telephone Landline Number N/A<br />
Telephone Mobile Number N/A<br />
Fax Number +506 2257 8074<br />
Country Cuba (WFD Ordinary Member)<br />
Country Classification Lower Middle Income<br />
Name <strong>of</strong> Association Cuban National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Name <strong>of</strong> Association in National Language Asociación Nacional de Sordos de Cuba<br />
Address 26 # 4305 3/ 24 y 26, Municipo Playa<br />
City, Post Code La Habana<br />
Country Cuba<br />
Website N/A<br />
snansoc@enet.cu<br />
Email<br />
ansoc@informed.sld.cu<br />
+537 202 6575<br />
Telephone Landline Numbers<br />
+537 202 7076<br />
Telephone Mobile Number N/A<br />
Fax Number N/A<br />
Country Dominican Republic (WFD Ordinary Member)<br />
Country Classification Upper Middle Income<br />
Name <strong>of</strong> Association National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Dominican Republic<br />
Name <strong>of</strong> Association in National Language Asociación Nacional de Sordos de la República Dominicana<br />
Address Arz. Meriño #401, Zona Colonial<br />
City, Post Code Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional<br />
Country Dominican Republic<br />
Website N/A<br />
Email ansordo@hotmail.com<br />
Telephone Landline Number +809 687 5208<br />
Telephone Mobile Number +829 977 3087<br />
Fax Number +809 687 1375<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 33<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
Country El Salvador (WFD Ordinary Member)<br />
Country Classification Lower Middle Income<br />
Name <strong>of</strong> Association Salvadorian Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Name <strong>of</strong> Association in National Language Asociación Salvadorena de Sordos<br />
Address Universidad Luterana Salvadorena Interseccion autopista a Comalapa<br />
City, Post Code San Salvador<br />
Country El Salvador<br />
Website N/A<br />
Email emmalker2001@hotmail.com<br />
Telephone Landline Number +503 2294 7106<br />
Telephone Mobile Number +503 7028 3986<br />
Fax Number +503 2294 7106<br />
Country Guatemala (WFD Ordinary Member)<br />
Country Classification Lower Middle Income<br />
Name <strong>of</strong> Association Guatemala <strong>Deaf</strong> Association<br />
Name <strong>of</strong> Association in National Language Asociación de Sordos de Guatemala - ASORGUA<br />
Address 2A Calle A 10-44 Zona 10 Cudad Vieja<br />
Postal Address Apartado Postal 783<br />
City, Post Code Ciudad de Guatemala<br />
Country Guatemala<br />
Website N/A<br />
Email asorgua@hotmail.com<br />
Telephone Landline Number +502-2362 4745<br />
Telephone Mobile Number N/A<br />
Fax Number +502 2362 4745<br />
Country Guyana (<strong>No</strong>t a WFD Ordinary Member)<br />
Country Classification Lower Middle Income<br />
Name <strong>of</strong> Group Support Group for <strong>Deaf</strong> Persons<br />
Name <strong>of</strong> Group in National Language N/A<br />
Address 51 <strong>No</strong>rton Street<br />
City, Post Code Georgetown<br />
Country Guyana<br />
Website N/A<br />
Email dangorgan2005@yahoo.com<br />
Telephone Landline Number +592 226 2880<br />
Telephone Mobile Number +592 609 0080<br />
Fax Number N/A<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 34<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
Country Haiti (<strong>No</strong>t a WFD Ordinary Member)<br />
Country Classification Low Income<br />
Name <strong>of</strong> Group Centre <strong>of</strong> Assistance for People with Hearing Problems<br />
Name <strong>of</strong> Group in National Language (French) Centre d’Aide aux Personnes à Problèmes Auditifs (CAPPA – SOURDS – HAÏTI)<br />
Address 05, 2ème Ruelle Jérémie Lalue<br />
Postal Address HT6111<br />
City, Post Code C/O 6, Ruelle Carlstroëm Bois-Verna, B.O. Box 1204 Port-au-Prince<br />
Country Haiti<br />
Website http://fr.groups.yahoo.com/group/cappa_haiti<br />
cappa_sourd@yahoo.fr<br />
Email<br />
cap_pa@hotmail.com<br />
+509 2245 5462<br />
Telephone Landline Numbers<br />
+509 2210 1700<br />
+509 3793 4873<br />
+509 3710 4711<br />
Telephone Mobile Numbers<br />
+509 3446 6646<br />
Fax Number N/A<br />
Country Honduras (<strong>No</strong>t a WFD Ordinary Member)<br />
Country Classification Lower Middle Income<br />
Name <strong>of</strong> Association Honduras <strong>Deaf</strong> Association<br />
Name <strong>of</strong> Association in National Language Asociación de Sordos de Honduras<br />
Address Colonia Hato de En medio Sector 2 Bloque 24 Casa 3821<br />
City, Post Code Tegucigalpa D.C.<br />
Country Honduras<br />
Website N/A<br />
Email anshhnd@yahoo.com<br />
Telephone Landline Number +504 255 4592<br />
Telephone Mobile Number N/A<br />
Fax Number +504 255 2533<br />
Country Mexico (WFD Ordinary Member)<br />
Country Classification Upper Middle Income<br />
Name <strong>of</strong> Association Mexican <strong>Deaf</strong> <strong>Federation</strong><br />
Name <strong>of</strong> Association in National Language Federacion Mexicana De Sordos AC - FEMESOR<br />
Address Presa Azucar #95-402<br />
City, Post Code Col. Irrigacion Mexico DF, 11500<br />
Country Mexico<br />
Website Under construction<br />
Email femesor.mex@gmail.com<br />
Telephone Landline Number +52 5557 7606<br />
Telephone Mobile Number +52 552848 3960<br />
Fax Number N/A<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 35<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
Country Nicaragua (WFD Ordinary Member)<br />
Country Classification Lower Middle Income<br />
Name <strong>of</strong> Association Nicaraguan National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Name <strong>of</strong> Association in National Language Asociación Nacional de Sordos de Nicaragua<br />
Address Del Charma 1 cuadra arriba, 1 1/2 cuadra al lago - Colonial Los Robles B-126<br />
City, Post Code Managua<br />
Country Nicaragua<br />
Website N/A<br />
Email ansnic@ibw.com.ni<br />
Telephone Landline Number +505 277 0666<br />
Telephone Mobile Number +505 412 4533<br />
Fax Number +505 277 0666<br />
Country Panama (WFD Ordinary Member)<br />
Country Classification Upper Middle Income<br />
Name <strong>of</strong> Association National <strong>Deaf</strong> Association <strong>of</strong> Panama<br />
Name <strong>of</strong> Association in National Language Asociación Nacional de Sordos de Panama<br />
Address Clayton<br />
City, Post Code Panama<br />
Country Panama<br />
Website N/A<br />
Email anspa79@hotmail.com<br />
Telephone Landline Number +507 233 0033<br />
Telephone Mobile Number +507 669 39143<br />
Fax Number +507 233 0709<br />
Country Suriname (<strong>No</strong>t a WFD Ordinary Member)<br />
Country Classification Low Middle Income<br />
Name <strong>of</strong> Group Foundation for <strong>the</strong> Surinam <strong>Deaf</strong> Interests<br />
Name <strong>of</strong> Group in National Language (Dutch) Stichting Surinaamse Doven Belangen.<br />
Address JBS Rebostraat, Blauwgrond<br />
City, Post Code Paramaribo Asso<br />
Country Suriname<br />
Website N/A<br />
Email N/A<br />
Telephone Landline Number N/A<br />
Telephone Mobile Number N/A<br />
Fax Number N/A<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 36<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
7.2.0 National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong>/<strong>Deaf</strong> Group<br />
7.2.1 Please provide <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> members your National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong>/<strong>Deaf</strong> Group has in your country.<br />
7.2.1.1 <strong>Deaf</strong> Members: -<br />
Country Total <strong>Deaf</strong> Members Total <strong>Deaf</strong> Women Total <strong>Deaf</strong> Men<br />
Costa Rica 498 199 299<br />
Cuba 9,759 4,542 5,217<br />
Dominican Republic 55 24 31<br />
El Salvador 473 227 246<br />
Guatemala 37 20 17<br />
Guyana 20 14 6<br />
Haiti 2,300 1,093 1,207<br />
Honduras 890 425 465<br />
Mexico N/A N/A N/A<br />
Nicaragua 793 379 414<br />
Panama 80 50 30<br />
Suriname 5 3 2<br />
Total 14,910 6,976 7,934<br />
Additional <strong>No</strong>tes:<br />
Guatemala: 48 Active Members (all categories); an additional 158 Inactive Members (all categories) have not paid <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
membership fees.<br />
Mexico: FEMESOR currently has no statistics about <strong>the</strong> numbers <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people in each state or about <strong>Deaf</strong> members.<br />
FEMESOR has 16 Association members. In future, FEMESOR will investigate <strong>the</strong> population <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people.<br />
7.4.2.1 Hard <strong>of</strong> Hearing Members: -<br />
Country Total Hard <strong>of</strong> Hearing Members Total Hard <strong>of</strong> Hearing Women Total Hard <strong>of</strong> Hearing Men<br />
Costa Rica 0 N/A N/A<br />
Cuba 9,273 4,216 5,057<br />
Dominican Republic 0 N/A N/A<br />
El Salvador 3 2 1<br />
Guatemala 11 5 6<br />
Guyana 0 N/A N/A<br />
Haiti 1,033 619 414<br />
Honduras 0 N/A N/A<br />
Mexico 0 N/A N/A<br />
Nicaragua 8 5 3<br />
Panama 4 2 2<br />
Suriname 0 N/A N/A<br />
Total 10,332 4,849 5,483<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 37<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
7.2.1.3 Hearing Members: -<br />
Country Total Hearing Members<br />
Costa Rica 2<br />
Cuba 1,071<br />
Dominican Republic 0<br />
El Salvador 0<br />
Guatemala 1<br />
Guyana 20<br />
Haiti 557<br />
Honduras 1,900<br />
Mexico 0<br />
Nicaragua 0<br />
Panama 0<br />
Suriname 0<br />
Total 3,551<br />
7.2.1.4 Summary Status <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Associations’/Groups’ Memberships: -<br />
Country Total <strong>Deaf</strong> Members<br />
Total Hard <strong>of</strong> Hearing<br />
Members<br />
Total Hearing Members Total Members<br />
Costa Rica 498 (99%) 0 2 (1%) 500<br />
Cuba 9,759 (49%) 9,273 (46%) 1,071 (5%) 20,103<br />
Dominican Republic 55 (100%) 0 0 55<br />
El Salvador 473 (99%) 3 (1%) 0 476<br />
Guatemala 37 (76%) 11 (22%) 1 (2%) 49<br />
Guyana 20 (50%) 0 20 (50%) 40<br />
Haiti 2,300 (59%) 1,033 (27%) 557 (14%) 3,890<br />
Honduras 890 (32%) 0 1,900 (68%) 2,790<br />
Mexico 0 0 0 0<br />
Nicaragua 793 (99%) 8 (1%) 0 801<br />
Panama 80 (95%) 4 (5%) 0 84<br />
Suriname 5 (100%) 0 0 5<br />
Total 14,910 10,332 3,551 28,793<br />
7.2.2 In what year was your National Association/<strong>Deaf</strong> Group established?<br />
7.2.3 Does your <strong>Deaf</strong> Association/<strong>Deaf</strong> Group have Statutes/a Constitution?<br />
7.2.4 Does your government recognise your national organisation as <strong>the</strong> representative <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people in your<br />
country?<br />
Country<br />
In what year was your<br />
National Association/<strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Group established?<br />
Does your <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Association/<strong>Deaf</strong> Group have<br />
Statutes/a Constitution?<br />
Does your government recognise<br />
your national organisation as <strong>the</strong><br />
representative <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people in<br />
your country?<br />
Costa Rica 1974 Yes Yes<br />
Cuba 1978 Yes Yes<br />
Dominican Republic 2000 Yes Yes<br />
El Salvador 1987 Yes Yes<br />
Guatemala 1994 Yes Yes<br />
Guyana 2005 <strong>No</strong> Yes<br />
Haiti 1998 Yes Yes<br />
Honduras 1979 Yes Yes<br />
Mexico 1964 Yes Yes<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 38<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
Nicaragua 1986 Yes Yes<br />
Panama 1979 Yes Yes<br />
Suriname 2008 <strong>No</strong> Unknown<br />
Total 10 Yes (83%)<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
11 Yes (92%)<br />
7.2.5 Please list some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> areas in which your association has adopted a policy statement.<br />
Costa Rica<br />
Cuba<br />
Country Please list some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> areas in which your association has adopted a policy statement.<br />
Dominican Republic<br />
• Education<br />
• Human Rights for <strong>Deaf</strong> People<br />
• Promotion and Defence <strong>of</strong> Sign Language<br />
• Recognition <strong>of</strong> Costa Rican Sign Language (LESCO)<br />
• Sports and Social Arenas<br />
With <strong>the</strong> goal <strong>of</strong> improving <strong>the</strong> well-being and integration <strong>of</strong> people with disabilities, a plan has been<br />
set in action in <strong>the</strong> areas <strong>of</strong> education, culture, recreation, health and employment. This plan <strong>of</strong><br />
action outlines <strong>the</strong> tasks that ministries and institutions in Cuba must do to work with people with<br />
disabilities.<br />
• To encourage <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> community in social and cultural development<br />
• To motivate <strong>Deaf</strong> people in educational development, life styles and sport<br />
• To teach <strong>Deaf</strong> people about responsibilities and rights <strong>of</strong> members <strong>of</strong> society<br />
El Salvador • Area <strong>of</strong> interpretation<br />
Guyana<br />
Haiti<br />
Honduras<br />
Mexico<br />
Nicaragua<br />
• Awareness<br />
• Advocacy<br />
• Education<br />
• To liaise regularly with parents and families <strong>of</strong> people who have hearing problems<br />
• To promote continuing education about sign language and prevention <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong>ness<br />
• To ensure access to <strong>the</strong> outside world by promoting awareness<br />
• To promote research <strong>of</strong> sign language in Haiti<br />
• To ga<strong>the</strong>r toge<strong>the</strong>r necessary equipment and facility requirements<br />
• To support <strong>the</strong> socio-psycho-cultural development <strong>of</strong> children, youth and adults who have a<br />
hearing problem<br />
• To assume responsibility, where necessary, to support children, youth and adults with hearing<br />
problems in successful living<br />
• To inform <strong>Deaf</strong> people, via a daily newspaper, <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir rights and <strong>the</strong> organisations and services<br />
available to help <strong>the</strong>m cope with <strong>the</strong>ir handicap<br />
• To defend <strong>the</strong> psychosocial and medical rights <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people because, no matter <strong>the</strong><br />
sophistication <strong>of</strong> assistive equipment, <strong>the</strong>y will always be handicapped<br />
• To support psychosocial integration and inclusion <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people in <strong>the</strong> workforce, in particular in<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional and academic environments<br />
• To represent <strong>Deaf</strong> people, both users <strong>of</strong> sign language and oral <strong>Deaf</strong>, to public authorities<br />
• To promote <strong>the</strong> recognition <strong>of</strong> sign language in <strong>the</strong> Haitian Constitution; and to continue to<br />
promote sign language even after its recognition<br />
• To lobby for 100% access to televised programmes via sign language and subtitling<br />
• To encourage <strong>the</strong> elimination <strong>of</strong> illiteracy through <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> new communication technologies for<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> people, providing access through sign language, in order to improve <strong>the</strong>ir living conditions<br />
• Human Rights<br />
• Rights <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> People<br />
• Rights to Education, Employment and Vocational Training<br />
• Inclusive Education, Interpreting Service, Equal Opportunity<br />
Congress, including <strong>the</strong> president, co-operate with <strong>the</strong> National Council for People with Disabilities<br />
and also with <strong>the</strong> National Council for <strong>the</strong> Prevention <strong>of</strong> Discrimination. Many government institutions<br />
know <strong>of</strong> FEMESOR. The State System for <strong>the</strong> Full Development <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Family (DIF) also works with us.<br />
Political involvement in Parliament, and national and local government (Congress, Senate) as well as<br />
<strong>No</strong>n-Governmental Organisations for information and awareness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> human rights <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people in<br />
communication access and interpreting services.<br />
Please note: Subsequently it was discovered that <strong>the</strong> word ‘policy’ was translated into Spanish incorrectly; this may have<br />
confused some respondents.<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 39<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
7.2.6 Please list <strong>the</strong> six highest priority issues/actions in your strategic action plan.<br />
Costa Rica<br />
Cuba<br />
Country Please list <strong>the</strong> six highest priority issues/actions in your strategic action plan.<br />
Dominican Republic<br />
El Salvador<br />
Guatemala<br />
1. To establish relations with public institutions<br />
2. To improve <strong>the</strong> quality <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> education in Costa Rica<br />
3. To promote <strong>the</strong> training <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> instructors <strong>of</strong> LESCO<br />
4. To provide more information and services to <strong>Deaf</strong> people in order to encourage affiliation to <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Association<br />
5. To make an agreement with <strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong> Costa Rica, through PROGRESO, with <strong>the</strong> goal <strong>of</strong><br />
providing workshops about LESCO and <strong>Deaf</strong> culture<br />
6. To renovate <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Association’s building<br />
1. Fully integrate all people with hearing disabilities in Cuban society through study, work, sport and<br />
culture<br />
2. Train members in <strong>the</strong> moral principles and ideology <strong>of</strong> our society<br />
3. Achieve comprehensive care <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> and hard <strong>of</strong> hearing<br />
4. Develop surveys to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> community and <strong>the</strong> rest <strong>of</strong> society to break communication barriers<br />
5. To encourage and develop scientific investigations on problems relevant to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> community, in<br />
partnership with o<strong>the</strong>r institutions for <strong>the</strong> prevention <strong>of</strong> deafness<br />
6. Foster relationships with national and foreign organisations which focus on <strong>the</strong> social integration<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> and hard <strong>of</strong> hearing people<br />
We have meetings twice a month and consult with o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>Deaf</strong> leaders, and have identified <strong>the</strong> priority<br />
needs as:<br />
1. More employment<br />
2. Better education<br />
3. Invent a Dominican Republic sign language<br />
4. Leadership training<br />
5. More training in general<br />
6. Projects to change <strong>the</strong> law<br />
1. Start <strong>the</strong> process <strong>of</strong> researching Lengua de Señas Salvadoreña (LESSA)<br />
2. Restructure <strong>the</strong> Commission on LESSA<br />
3. Establish contacts with Latin American <strong>Deaf</strong> for training support<br />
4. Spread awareness about <strong>the</strong> human right <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people to get education through sign language<br />
5. Disseminate <strong>the</strong> correct information about sign language<br />
6. Encourage <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> young <strong>Deaf</strong> people in El Salvador through <strong>the</strong> Youth Commission<br />
7. Support <strong>the</strong> creation <strong>of</strong> associations in all states <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country, with affiliation to <strong>the</strong> National<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Association<br />
1. Sign Language<br />
2. Education<br />
3. Interpreters<br />
4. Training for Women<br />
5. Health<br />
6. Contact with organisations <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people in provinces/states<br />
Guyana <strong>No</strong> information supplied<br />
Haiti<br />
Honduras<br />
Mexico<br />
1. The psychosocial Integration and inclusion <strong>of</strong> children, youth and adults who have a hearing<br />
problem<br />
2. The prevention <strong>of</strong> noise pollution and o<strong>the</strong>r causes <strong>of</strong> deafness<br />
3. The promotion <strong>of</strong> sign language even after attaining <strong>of</strong>ficial recognition as a third language in Haiti<br />
4. To inform <strong>Deaf</strong> people about STD/HIV, drug misuse, early pregnancy<br />
5. Training in sign language for parents <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> children and members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> general population<br />
6. To train and organise sign language interpreters<br />
1. Official Parliamentary recognition <strong>of</strong> sign language (LESHO)<br />
2. Standardisation <strong>of</strong> LESHO<br />
3. LESHO classes for parents and families<br />
4. LESHO classes for <strong>Deaf</strong> people and <strong>the</strong> general community<br />
5. Development <strong>of</strong> a LESHO Dictionary “COMUNIQUEMONOS MEJOR”<br />
6. Socialisation, according to <strong>the</strong> Law on <strong>the</strong> Full Development <strong>of</strong> People with Disabilities 160 – 2005<br />
7. <strong>Deaf</strong> People’s Rights<br />
8. Human Rights<br />
Our Action Plan for FEMESOR work is based on <strong>the</strong> six sections in <strong>the</strong> General Law for People with a<br />
Disability; <strong>the</strong>se are:<br />
1. Education<br />
2. Employment (Labour)<br />
3. Accessibility<br />
4. Health<br />
5. Art and Culture<br />
6. Social Development<br />
FEMESOR has added three more areas:<br />
1. Mexican Sign Language - Lengua de Señas Mexicana (LSM)<br />
2. Women<br />
3. Youth<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 40<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
Nicaragua<br />
Panama<br />
Suriname<br />
1. Knowledge <strong>of</strong> sign language by <strong>the</strong> state for employment Integration <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
2. Interpreting services, supported by <strong>the</strong> state, for TV programmes such as <strong>the</strong> news and messages<br />
from <strong>the</strong> President to <strong>the</strong> nation<br />
3. Investigation, compilation and standardisation <strong>of</strong> Nicaraguan signs<br />
4. Awareness about sign language in State institutions and in society in general<br />
5. Demand that <strong>the</strong> State provide access for <strong>Deaf</strong> people to all education (primary school, high<br />
school, University and technical training)<br />
1. Sign Language<br />
2. Education (children, youth and adults)<br />
3. Interpreters<br />
4. Employment<br />
5. Parents and families<br />
6. Government<br />
1. Literacy Training Programme (Dutch Language)<br />
2. Empowerment Training<br />
3. Organisational Development Training for Board<br />
4. Networking<br />
5. New <strong>Deaf</strong> Centre<br />
7.2.7 Please describe <strong>the</strong> structure <strong>of</strong> your National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong>/<strong>Deaf</strong> Group (e.g. congress/annual<br />
meeting/board/executive/districts/local associations and so forth).<br />
Country<br />
Please describe <strong>the</strong> structure <strong>of</strong> your National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong>/<strong>Deaf</strong> Group (e.g.<br />
congress/annual meeting/board/executive/districts/local associations and so forth).<br />
Costa Rica The structure <strong>of</strong> ANASCOR is: Board <strong>of</strong> Directors, Finance Officer, Commissions and Member Assembly<br />
Cuba<br />
Dominican Republic<br />
El Salvador<br />
Guatemala<br />
• Congress<br />
• Full National Congress is convened every 2½ years<br />
• National Council (2 times a year)<br />
• National Board (monthly)<br />
• Provincial or Regional Assemblies (every 4 years)<br />
• Provincial Councils (every 3 years)<br />
• Provincial Advisory Boards (every 3 months)<br />
• Municipal Assemblies (Ordinary every 6 months and Extraordinary every 2 years to elect <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
representatives)<br />
• Municipal Boards (1 time per month)<br />
• President<br />
• Vice President<br />
• Secretary<br />
• Treasurer<br />
• Member<br />
• Assessor<br />
Two General Assemblies per year for all <strong>Deaf</strong> Association members.<br />
Weekly ordinary meetings <strong>of</strong> each association.<br />
General Assembly<br />
• President<br />
• Vice President<br />
• Secretary<br />
• Treasurer<br />
• 4 Board Members<br />
• Assessors<br />
Guyana It is still in <strong>the</strong> informal stage with a steering committee.<br />
Haiti<br />
• The Board <strong>of</strong> Directors<br />
• The General Meeting<br />
• Executive Management<br />
• O<strong>the</strong>r centres, programmes, units, organisations and associations<br />
Honduras Organisational Chart supplied<br />
Mexico<br />
The structure <strong>of</strong> our organisation: We are an Ordinary Member <strong>of</strong> WFD; we have an Annual General<br />
Assembly with <strong>the</strong> 16 state association members.<br />
The Board has a meeting every three months, disseminates information to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community every<br />
three months and also has meetings with state associations.<br />
Nicaragua ANSNI has a General Assembly, Board <strong>of</strong> Directors, Financial Boards and Work Commissions<br />
We do not have a national structure; at <strong>the</strong> moment we have regional associations:<br />
• Chiriqui Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (Asociacion de Sordos de Chiriqui)<br />
Panama<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Azuero Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (Asociacion de Sordos de Azuero)<br />
Veraguas Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (Asociacion de Sordos de Veraguas)<br />
The Colon Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (Asociación de Sordos de Colon) and Boca de Toro Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> (Asociación de Sordos Boca de Toro) do not have legal constitutions; perhaps <strong>the</strong>y will later.<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 41<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
Suriname<br />
We have a Committee <strong>of</strong> Parents and Families.<br />
Board:<br />
• President<br />
• Secretary<br />
• Finance Officer<br />
7.2.7.1 How many affiliated regional and/or local <strong>Deaf</strong> Associations are part <strong>of</strong> your National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong>?<br />
Country Regional Associations Local Associations<br />
Costa Rica 0 0<br />
Cuba 15 169<br />
Dominican Republic 0 1<br />
El Salvador 1 1<br />
Guatemala 0 0<br />
Guyana 0 0<br />
Haiti 0 12<br />
Honduras 7 0<br />
Mexico 16 0<br />
Nicaragua 0 14<br />
Panama 4 2<br />
Suriname 0 0<br />
Total 43 199<br />
7.2.8 How many members <strong>of</strong> your board are <strong>Deaf</strong>?<br />
Country<br />
How many members <strong>of</strong> your<br />
board are <strong>Deaf</strong>?<br />
Total number <strong>of</strong> Board Members<br />
Percentage <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> on <strong>the</strong><br />
Board<br />
Costa Rica 8 8 100%<br />
Cuba 19 22 86%<br />
Dominican Republic 7 7 100%<br />
El Salvador 7 14 50%<br />
Guatemala 10 10 100%<br />
Guyana 2 6 33%<br />
Haiti 4 7 57%<br />
Honduras 8 8 100%<br />
Mexico 7 7 100%<br />
Nicaragua 7 7 100%<br />
Panama N/A N/A N/A<br />
Suriname 6 6 100%<br />
Total 85 102 83%<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 42<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
7.2.9 How many members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> board are <strong>Deaf</strong> women and how many are <strong>Deaf</strong> men?<br />
Country <strong>Deaf</strong> Women Board Members <strong>Deaf</strong> Men Board Members<br />
Percentage <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Women on <strong>the</strong><br />
Board<br />
Costa Rica 2 6 25%<br />
Cuba 1 18 5%<br />
Dominican Republic 3 4 43%<br />
El Salvador 3 4 43%<br />
Guatemala 1 9 10%<br />
Guyana 2 0 100%<br />
Haiti 2 2 50%<br />
Honduras 3 5 38%<br />
Mexico 4 3 57%<br />
Nicaragua 5 2 71%<br />
Panama N/A N/A N/A<br />
Suriname 3 3 50%<br />
Total 29 56 34%<br />
Please note: The Regional Co-ordinator attempted to contact <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Association in Panama to obtain <strong>the</strong> correct number<br />
<strong>of</strong> board members as <strong>the</strong>y had stated <strong>the</strong>y had 250 Board Members.<br />
7.2.10 Does your National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong>/<strong>Deaf</strong> Group have committees for specific areas <strong>of</strong> interest or<br />
affiliation with any o<strong>the</strong>r relevant independent groups in your country?<br />
Does your National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong>/<strong>Deaf</strong> Group have committees for specific areas<br />
<strong>of</strong> interest or affiliation with any o<strong>the</strong>r relevant independent groups in your country?<br />
Sign Language Research 7 (70%)<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Education 6 (60%)<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong>blind 6 (60%)<br />
Sign Language Interpreting 6 (60%)<br />
Sports Groups 6 (60%)<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Youth 5 (50%)<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> People with O<strong>the</strong>r Disabilities 5 (50%)<br />
Children <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Adults 4 (40%)<br />
Cultural Groups <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> People 4 (40%)<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Women’s Groups 4 (40%)<br />
Parents <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Children 4 (40%)<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Seniors 3 (30%)<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r Committees 3 (30%)<br />
Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Bisexual 2 (20%)<br />
Country O<strong>the</strong>r Committees/Groups<br />
Costa Rica<br />
Dominican Republic<br />
Haiti<br />
Country/Average<br />
Percentage<br />
Based on 10 Respondents<br />
National Commission on LESCO<br />
Funding Support Commission<br />
Yes, we have a commission on sign language.<br />
• Haitian Coalition for <strong>the</strong> Defence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Rights <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Child (COHADDE)<br />
• State Chancery for Elimination <strong>of</strong> Illiteracy (SEA)<br />
• State Chancery for <strong>the</strong> Integration <strong>of</strong> Handicapped People (SEIPH)<br />
• Ministry for Public Health and Population (MSPP)<br />
• Social Ministry for Affairs and Work (MAST)<br />
• Association for <strong>the</strong> Prevention <strong>of</strong> Alcoholism and o<strong>the</strong>r Chemical Dependencies (APAAC)<br />
• National Network <strong>of</strong> Associations for <strong>the</strong> Integration <strong>of</strong> Handicapped People (RANIPH)<br />
• Five schools for <strong>Deaf</strong> children<br />
• O<strong>the</strong>r <strong>No</strong>n-Governmental Organisations, and organisations working in <strong>the</strong> fight against MST and<br />
against discrimination related to HIV/AIDS<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 43<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
Both Guyana and Suriname stated <strong>the</strong>y do not have any specific areas <strong>of</strong> interest nor affiliation with any relevant groups in<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir countries.<br />
Country<br />
Does your National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> have committees for specific areas <strong>of</strong> interest or<br />
affiliation with any o<strong>the</strong>r relevant independent groups in your country?<br />
Costa Rica Sign Language Interpreting<br />
Cuba Sign Language Interpreting<br />
Sign Language Research<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Education<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong>blind<br />
Cultural Groups <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> People<br />
Sport Groups<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> People with O<strong>the</strong>r Disabilities<br />
Dominican Republic Sign Language Research<br />
EL Salvador <strong>Deaf</strong> Education<br />
Parents <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Children<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Seniors<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong>blind<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Youth<br />
Sports Groups<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> People with O<strong>the</strong>r Disabilities<br />
Children <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Adults<br />
Guatemala Sign Language Interpreting<br />
Haiti<br />
Honduras<br />
Mexico<br />
Sign Language Research<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Women’s Groups<br />
Sign Language Interpreting<br />
Sign Language Research<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Education<br />
Parents <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Children<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong>blind<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Youth<br />
Cultural Groups <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> People<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Sports<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> People with O<strong>the</strong>r Disabilities<br />
Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Bisexual<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Women’s Groups<br />
Children <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Adults<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Education<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Youth<br />
Cultural Groups <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> People<br />
Sports Groups<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Women’s Groups<br />
Sign Language Interpreting<br />
Sign Language Research<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Education<br />
Parents <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Children<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Seniors<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong>blind<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Youth<br />
Cultural Groups <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> People<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> People with O<strong>the</strong>r Disabilities<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 44<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
Nicaragua<br />
Panama<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Women’s Groups<br />
Children <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Adults<br />
Sign Language Interpreting<br />
Sign Language Research<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Education<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong>blind<br />
Sport Groups<br />
Sign Language Research<br />
Parents <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Children<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Seniors<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong>blind<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Youth<br />
Sports Groups<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> People with O<strong>the</strong>r Disabilities<br />
Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Bisexual<br />
Children <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Adults<br />
7.2.11 Does your National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong>/<strong>Deaf</strong> Group have any paid staff members?<br />
7.2.11.1 How many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> paid staff members are women and how many are men?<br />
7.2.11.2 How many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> paid staff members are <strong>Deaf</strong>?<br />
Does your<br />
National<br />
Association<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Country <strong>Deaf</strong>/<strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Group have<br />
any paid<br />
staff<br />
members?<br />
Costa Rica <strong>No</strong><br />
Total Paid<br />
Staff<br />
Members<br />
Paid<br />
Women<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 45<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).<br />
Paid<br />
Men<br />
Total Paid<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Staff<br />
Members<br />
Paid<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Women<br />
Paid<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Men<br />
Percentage<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Staff<br />
Members<br />
Cuba Yes 39 18 21 8 5 3 21%<br />
Dominican<br />
Republic<br />
<strong>No</strong><br />
El Salvador <strong>No</strong><br />
Guatemala Yes 13 8 5 9 5 4 69%<br />
Guyana <strong>No</strong><br />
Haiti <strong>No</strong><br />
Honduras Yes 14 7 7 12 6 6 86%<br />
Mexico <strong>No</strong><br />
Nicaragua Yes 13 7 6 9 4 5 69%<br />
Panama <strong>No</strong><br />
Suriname <strong>No</strong><br />
Total<br />
4 Yes<br />
(33%) 79 38 48%<br />
Based on 12 respondents
7.2.12 Is your Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director/Person-In-Charge <strong>Deaf</strong>?<br />
Country Is your Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director/Person-In-Charge <strong>Deaf</strong>?<br />
Cuba Yes<br />
Guatemala Yes<br />
Honduras Yes<br />
Nicaragua Yes<br />
Total 4 Yes (100%)<br />
Based on four respondents<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 46<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
7.3.0 Population <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> People<br />
7.3.1 Does your country’s government have any <strong>of</strong>ficial number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people in your country?<br />
Country<br />
Does your country’s government have any <strong>of</strong>ficial number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people in<br />
your country?<br />
Total <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
Costa Rica Yes 26,235<br />
Cuba Yes 20,918<br />
Dominican Republic <strong>No</strong><br />
El Salvador <strong>No</strong><br />
Guatemala <strong>No</strong><br />
Guyana <strong>No</strong><br />
Haiti Yes 18,948<br />
Honduras Yes 34,775<br />
Mexico Yes 2,000,000<br />
Nicaragua <strong>No</strong><br />
Panama Yes 9,000<br />
Suriname <strong>No</strong><br />
Total 6 Yes (50%) 2,109,876<br />
Country <strong>Deaf</strong> Women <strong>Deaf</strong> Men<br />
Costa Rica 11,057 15,178<br />
Cuba N/A N/A<br />
Haiti 10,038 8,910<br />
Honduras N/A N/A<br />
Mexico 1,210,000 790,000<br />
Panama 5,000 4,000<br />
Total 1,236,095 818,088<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
7.3.2 Does your Association/Group have any <strong>of</strong>ficial or approximate figures <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people living in your<br />
country?<br />
Country<br />
Does your Association/Group have any <strong>of</strong>ficial or approximate figures <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people living in your country?<br />
Costa Rica <strong>No</strong><br />
Total <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
Cuba Yes 23,636<br />
Dominican Republic Yes 60,000 *<br />
El Salvador Yes 7,028<br />
Guatemala <strong>No</strong><br />
Guyana <strong>No</strong><br />
Haiti Yes approx 120,000<br />
Honduras Yes 890<br />
Mexico <strong>No</strong><br />
Nicaragua Yes 793<br />
Panama Yes 9,000<br />
Suriname <strong>No</strong><br />
Total 7 Yes (58%) 221,347<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
Please note: The Director <strong>of</strong> WFD MCAC obtained <strong>the</strong> number 60,000 for <strong>the</strong> Dominican Republic from CONADIS when he<br />
visited <strong>the</strong> Dominican Republic after <strong>the</strong> Regional Working Group Meeting.<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 47<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
Country <strong>Deaf</strong> Women <strong>Deaf</strong> Men<br />
El Salvador 3,177 3,851<br />
Haiti approx 66,000 approx 54,000<br />
Honduras 425 465<br />
Nicaragua 379 414<br />
Panama 5,000 4,000<br />
Total 74,981 62,730<br />
7.3.3 Does your Association/Group have any <strong>of</strong>ficial or approximate numbers <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people who use sign language as<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir primary language?<br />
Country<br />
Does your Association/Group have any <strong>of</strong>ficial or approximate<br />
numbers <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people who use sign language as <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
primary language?<br />
Total Number <strong>of</strong> Sign Language<br />
Users<br />
Costa Rica Yes 498<br />
Cuba Yes 9,759<br />
Dominican Republic <strong>No</strong><br />
El Salvador <strong>No</strong><br />
Guatemala Yes 207<br />
Guyana <strong>No</strong><br />
Haiti Yes approx 40,000<br />
Honduras Yes 890<br />
Mexico Yes 300,000<br />
Nicaragua Yes 793<br />
Panama Yes 9,000<br />
Suriname <strong>No</strong><br />
Total 8 Yes (67%) 361,147<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
Country <strong>Deaf</strong> Women Sign Language Users <strong>Deaf</strong> Men Sign Language Users<br />
Costa Rica 199 299<br />
Cuba 4,542 5,217<br />
Guatemala 0 0<br />
Guyana 0 0<br />
Haiti approx 22,000 approx 18,000<br />
Honduras 425 465<br />
Mexico 100,000 200,000<br />
Nicaragua 379 414<br />
Panama 5,000 4,000<br />
Total 132,545 228,395<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 48<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
7.3.4. Does <strong>the</strong> situation <strong>of</strong> HIV/AIDS in your country affect <strong>Deaf</strong> women, men and children?<br />
Country Does <strong>the</strong> situation <strong>of</strong> HIV/AIDS in your country affect <strong>Deaf</strong> women, men and children?<br />
Costa Rica <strong>No</strong> Information<br />
Cuba Yes<br />
Dominican Republic <strong>No</strong> Information<br />
El Salvador <strong>No</strong><br />
Guatemala <strong>No</strong><br />
Guyana <strong>No</strong> Information<br />
Haiti Yes<br />
Honduras <strong>No</strong> Information<br />
Mexico <strong>No</strong><br />
Nicaragua <strong>No</strong> information<br />
Panama <strong>No</strong><br />
Suriname <strong>No</strong><br />
Total 2 Yes (17%)<br />
Country<br />
Cuba<br />
Haiti<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
If yes, please describe <strong>the</strong> situation with HIV/AIDS in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> community in your country, including any<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficial statistics on <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people living with HIV/AIDS.<br />
Through <strong>the</strong> Ministry <strong>of</strong> Health (MINISAP) <strong>the</strong>se people are <strong>of</strong>fered free medical care and medicines. Services that<br />
exist for <strong>the</strong> general population, such as access to different means <strong>of</strong> transportation (handled by <strong>the</strong> security<br />
system) or social assistance, are also available to <strong>the</strong>m according to normal procedures. In our country <strong>the</strong>re are<br />
no homeless people or discrimination.<br />
Example: On 3 February 2008, for <strong>the</strong> first time in Haiti 71 <strong>Deaf</strong>-mutes (30 women and 41 men) were tested and<br />
<strong>the</strong> following was found:<br />
• Two (2) <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> tests were positive (1 woman and 1 man)<br />
• Sixty seven (67) <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> tests were negative (28 women and 39 men)<br />
• Two (2) were indefinite (1 woman and 1 man)<br />
• 20 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> subjects were homosexual<br />
• 17 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> subjects were prostitutes<br />
• 38 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> subjects had more than one partner<br />
The Ministry <strong>of</strong> Health subsequently instructed CAPPA-SOURDS-HAITI to work on awareness and identification <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> people with HIV/AIDS.<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 49<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
7.4.0 Legislation and Policies<br />
7.4.1 Does your country’s government recognise <strong>Deaf</strong> people as citizens on an equal basis as o<strong>the</strong>r citizens in your<br />
country?<br />
Country<br />
Does your country’s government recognise <strong>Deaf</strong> people as citizens on an equal basis as o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
citizens in your country?<br />
Costa Rica Yes<br />
Cuba Yes<br />
Dominican Republic Yes<br />
El Salvador Yes<br />
Guatemala Yes<br />
Guyana Yes<br />
Haiti <strong>No</strong><br />
Honduras Yes<br />
Mexico Yes<br />
Nicaragua Yes<br />
Panama Yes<br />
Suriname <strong>No</strong><br />
Total 10 Yes (83%)<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
Please note:- The Regional Working Group strongly believed <strong>the</strong> chance was small that <strong>the</strong> governments in those countries<br />
that responded ‘Yes’ actually did recognise <strong>Deaf</strong> people as equal citizens. These answers should be changed to ‘<strong>No</strong>’.<br />
7.4.2 Does your country’s government have an <strong>of</strong>fice responsible for services for People with Disabilities?<br />
Country<br />
Does your country’s government have an <strong>of</strong>fice responsible for services for People with<br />
Disabilities?<br />
Costa Rica Yes<br />
Cuba Yes<br />
Dominican Republic Yes<br />
El Salvador Yes<br />
Guatemala Yes<br />
Guyana Yes<br />
Haiti Yes<br />
Honduras Yes<br />
Mexico Yes<br />
Nicaragua Yes<br />
Panama Yes<br />
Suriname Yes<br />
Total 12 Yes (100%)<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 50<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
7.4.2.1 If yes, what is <strong>the</strong> name, address and website <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> government <strong>of</strong>fice that is responsible for services for<br />
People with Disabilities in your country?<br />
If yes, what is <strong>the</strong> name, address and website <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> government <strong>of</strong>fice that is responsible for<br />
Country<br />
services for People with Disabilities in your country?<br />
The National Council on Rehabilitation and Special Education - Consejo Nacional de Rehabilitacion y<br />
Education Especial (CNREE) gives some subsidies to <strong>Deaf</strong> students in <strong>Deaf</strong> Adult Education Centres.<br />
Costa Rica<br />
However, we are not happy with it because CNREE needs to learn more about <strong>Deaf</strong> Culture. We feel<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir approach is not good.<br />
Cuba ANSOC, National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Blind, National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Physically Disabled<br />
National Council on Disability - Consejo Nacional de Discapacidad (CONADIS)<br />
Dominican Republic C/ Arz. Portes <strong>No</strong>. 554, Ciudad Nueva, Santo Domingo D.N., República Dominicana<br />
www.gabsocial.gov.do/conadis<br />
National Council for Attention to People with Disabilities CONAIPD, Rehabilitation Institute for <strong>the</strong><br />
El Salvador<br />
Handicapped ISRI and FUNTER<br />
Guatemala National Commission <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Disabled CONADI, Social Secretariat <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> First Lady <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Presidency<br />
Guyana National Commission on Disability, 40 Croal Street, Stabroek, Georgetown<br />
66, Rue Fernand, Canapé-Vert, Port-au-Prince, Haïti<br />
Haiti<br />
info@seiph.gouv.ht<br />
www.seiph.gouv.ht<br />
Honduras<br />
Mexico<br />
Nicaragua<br />
Panama<br />
• Honduras National <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> Organisations <strong>of</strong> People with a Disability<br />
• Honduras Organisation <strong>of</strong> Institutions and Rehabilitation Associations<br />
National Council for Persons with Disabilities<br />
www.conadis.salud.gob.mx<br />
www.conadis@salud.gob.mx<br />
• Defenders <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Human Rights <strong>of</strong> Persons with Disabilities<br />
• National Council for <strong>the</strong> Prevention, Rehabilitation and Equalisation <strong>of</strong> Opportunities for Persons<br />
with Disabilities (CONARE)<br />
• National Ministry <strong>of</strong> Disability, First Lady <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Republic <strong>of</strong> Panamá<br />
• Panama Institute <strong>of</strong> Special Habilitation (IPHE)<br />
Suriname <strong>No</strong> information supplied<br />
7.4.3 Does your country’s Government have any legislation or policies for <strong>Deaf</strong> people (or People with Disabilities in<br />
general)?<br />
Country<br />
Does your country’s Government have any legislation or policies for <strong>Deaf</strong> people (or People with<br />
Disabilities in general)?<br />
Costa Rica Yes<br />
Cuba Yes<br />
Dominican Republic Yes<br />
El Salvador Yes<br />
Guatemala Yes<br />
Guyana <strong>No</strong><br />
Haiti <strong>No</strong><br />
Honduras Yes<br />
Mexico Yes<br />
Nicaragua Yes<br />
Panama Yes<br />
Suriname <strong>No</strong><br />
Total 10 Yes (83%)<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 51<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
7.4.3.1 If yes, please list some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> policies or legislation that relate to <strong>Deaf</strong> people (or People with Disabilities)<br />
(please write <strong>the</strong> name <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> legislation or policy in full).<br />
If yes, please list some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> policies or legislation that relate to <strong>Deaf</strong> people (or People with<br />
Country<br />
Disabilities) (please write <strong>the</strong> name <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> legislation or policy in full).<br />
Law <strong>No</strong> 7600 – Equal Opportunity for Disabled People in Costa Rica<br />
Costa Rica<br />
Policy <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Law 7600 -<br />
There is no one specific law, however <strong>the</strong>re are laws, decrees, rules, regulations in different legal<br />
Cuba<br />
bodies, for example <strong>the</strong> Code <strong>of</strong> Children and Youth, <strong>the</strong> Family Code, <strong>the</strong> Civil Code, <strong>the</strong> Labour Code<br />
and <strong>the</strong> Penal Code, which govern exercise <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rights <strong>of</strong> people with disabilities without exclusion.<br />
Dominican Republic Official Gazette <strong>No</strong>. 1049 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 30th <strong>of</strong> June 2000<br />
El Salvador Equalisation <strong>of</strong> Opportunities Act<br />
Guatemala Care <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Disabled Law 135 - 96<br />
Honduras Law for Equality and Full Development <strong>of</strong> Persons with a Disability 160 – 2005<br />
Mexico In 2005, we adopted <strong>the</strong> General Law for People with Disabilities, which includes <strong>the</strong> right to LSM<br />
Law 202 – Law for <strong>the</strong> Prevention, Rehabilitation and Equalisation <strong>of</strong> Opportunities for People with<br />
Nicaragua<br />
Disabilities,<br />
General Law for Education<br />
Panama Law 92 – <strong>Deaf</strong> Rights<br />
7.4.4 Does your country’s Government have any anti-discrimination laws for <strong>Deaf</strong> people (or People with Disabilities)?<br />
Country<br />
Does your country’s Government have any anti-discrimination laws for <strong>Deaf</strong> people (or People with<br />
Disabilities)?<br />
Costa Rica Yes<br />
Cuba <strong>No</strong><br />
Dominican Republic Yes<br />
El Salvador Yes<br />
Guatemala <strong>No</strong><br />
Guyana <strong>No</strong><br />
Haiti <strong>No</strong><br />
Honduras Yes<br />
Mexico Yes<br />
Nicaragua <strong>No</strong><br />
Panama Yes<br />
Suriname Yes<br />
Total 7 Yes (58%)<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
7.4.5 Does your country’s government provide any services specifically for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community through its<br />
government departments?<br />
Country<br />
Does your country’s government provide any services specifically for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community through<br />
its government departments?<br />
Costa Rica<br />
Cuba Yes<br />
Dominican Republic <strong>No</strong><br />
El Salvador Yes<br />
Guatemala <strong>No</strong><br />
Guyana <strong>No</strong><br />
Haiti <strong>No</strong><br />
Honduras Yes<br />
Mexico Yes<br />
Nicaragua Yes<br />
Panama Yes<br />
Suriname Yes<br />
Total 8 Yes (67%)<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 52<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).<br />
Yes<br />
Based on 12 respondents
7.4.5.1 If yes, what types <strong>of</strong> service are provided specifically for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community by your country’s government?<br />
7.4.5.2 What is <strong>the</strong> general opinion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> current service(s) specifically provided for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community by your<br />
country’s government?<br />
Country<br />
Costa Rica<br />
Cuba<br />
If yes, what types <strong>of</strong> service are provided<br />
specifically for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community by your<br />
country’s government?<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Schools and University Facilities for <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Students, Hospitals, Hearing Aid Service, Scholarships<br />
for <strong>Deaf</strong> Students and Interpreting Service for <strong>the</strong><br />
Courts<br />
Audiology Centre, Closed Captioning, Cuban Sign<br />
Language Interpreting Service, Diagnostic and<br />
Counselling Centre. Social Assistance from <strong>the</strong> Ministry<br />
<strong>of</strong> Labour and Social Security<br />
El Salvador Education, Oral Rehabilitation, Health<br />
Honduras<br />
Mexico<br />
Nicaragua<br />
Panama<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Schools and University Facilities for <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Students, Hospitals, Scholarships for <strong>Deaf</strong> Students<br />
and Interpreting Service for <strong>the</strong> Courts<br />
The Ministry <strong>of</strong> Health gives hearing aids to <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
people; <strong>the</strong> Ministry <strong>of</strong> Education provides workshops<br />
for teachers <strong>of</strong> both <strong>Deaf</strong> and hearing children to<br />
develop more pr<strong>of</strong>essional and specialist knowledge<br />
about <strong>Deaf</strong> children.<br />
The government supports <strong>Deaf</strong> people with a small<br />
monthly disability pension and o<strong>the</strong>r programmes <strong>of</strong><br />
support for <strong>Deaf</strong> people.<br />
Only Primary Education is given. In <strong>the</strong> schools special<br />
education is <strong>the</strong> same as regular education via<br />
inclusive education.<br />
Optical, Hearing Aids, Scholarships for <strong>Deaf</strong> Students<br />
and Financial Assistance<br />
Please note: Suriname is unable to provide sufficient information.<br />
What is <strong>the</strong> general opinion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> current service(s)<br />
specifically provided for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community by<br />
your country’s government?<br />
1. The Government needs more sensitivity because<br />
<strong>the</strong>y don’t consult with us about <strong>Deaf</strong> projects<br />
2. More attention must be given to funding <strong>the</strong><br />
necessary services for <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
3. The Government/State is very bureaucratic<br />
4. <strong>Deaf</strong> people need more information how to lobby<br />
Government to support <strong>Deaf</strong> services<br />
Favourable, as <strong>the</strong> social gains achieved in <strong>the</strong> field <strong>of</strong><br />
disability are due to <strong>the</strong> systematic application <strong>of</strong><br />
unique social politics with <strong>the</strong> State as principal; this<br />
guarantees enforcement through <strong>the</strong> co-ordination <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> actions <strong>of</strong> various agencies and institutions, which<br />
are important resources.<br />
In education, <strong>the</strong>re is a need for better qualifications,<br />
more development in LESSA for <strong>the</strong> teachers, more<br />
learning concepts for <strong>the</strong> students, more respect for<br />
<strong>the</strong> communication <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people and also need for a<br />
better environment and <strong>the</strong> right educational<br />
materials. In <strong>the</strong> health area, although we have<br />
accessibility at <strong>the</strong> same time we need more<br />
interpreters because too many <strong>Deaf</strong> access this with<br />
members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir family.<br />
Average<br />
Average<br />
It is very limited because <strong>the</strong> possibility for <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
people to attend High School with interpreting<br />
services only exists because <strong>of</strong> demand from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
community and it actually benefits only about 52 <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
students in a school in <strong>the</strong> capital city. ANSNIC liaises<br />
with <strong>the</strong> Ministry <strong>of</strong> Education and o<strong>the</strong>r important<br />
institutions such as <strong>the</strong> police (civil, tribunal and<br />
penal services), to ensure <strong>Deaf</strong> people can get free<br />
interpreting services.<br />
Average<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 53<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
7.4.5.3 If no, why does your country’s government not provide any service specifically for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community?<br />
Country<br />
If no, why does your country’s government not provide any service specifically for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Community?<br />
Dominican Republic<br />
Because <strong>the</strong>y don’t have <strong>the</strong> experience and skill necessary to provide specific services for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
community.<br />
Guatemala The Government does not provide any services for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> community.<br />
Guyana Poor level <strong>of</strong> awareness.<br />
Haiti<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> people are a minority group, who are much neglected. The <strong>Deaf</strong> community is <strong>the</strong> most neglected<br />
group <strong>of</strong> all <strong>the</strong> handicapped groups in <strong>the</strong> country.<br />
7.4.6 Does your Association/Group have any contact with your current country’s government?<br />
7.4.6.1 What type <strong>of</strong> contact does your Association/Group have with your country’s current government?<br />
Country<br />
Costa Rica<br />
Does your<br />
Association/Group<br />
have any contact<br />
with your current<br />
country’s<br />
government?<br />
Yes<br />
Cuba Yes<br />
Dominican Republic <strong>No</strong><br />
What type <strong>of</strong> contact does your Association/Group have with your country’s<br />
current government?<br />
Contact through <strong>the</strong> National Council on Rehabilitation and Special Education -<br />
Consejo Nacional de Rehabilitacion y Educacion Especial.<br />
There is a National Council on Care for People with Disabilities (CONAPED), which<br />
is a multi-sectoral working group mediating resolution #4 <strong>of</strong> 2 April 2 1996 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Ministry <strong>of</strong> Labour and Social Security. There is also increasingly cohesive cooperation<br />
between <strong>the</strong> State administrative agencies.<br />
El Salvador Yes<br />
The association is a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ministry, also <strong>of</strong> CONAIPD and <strong>the</strong> National<br />
Secretariat <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Family.<br />
Guatemala Yes<br />
Trimester financial reports, monthly passive and active financial reports, annual<br />
reports and reports on activities.<br />
Guyana Yes Un<strong>of</strong>ficial<br />
Our Association CAPPA-SOURDS-HAITI takes part in meetings about handicapped<br />
Haiti Yes<br />
people, including about a bill proposing <strong>the</strong> recognition <strong>of</strong> sign language and <strong>the</strong><br />
rights <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people. We <strong>of</strong>fer Government free sign language courses. We invite<br />
government representatives to ga<strong>the</strong>rings <strong>of</strong> signing <strong>Deaf</strong> people.<br />
Honduras Yes<br />
We have management <strong>of</strong> small and large projects, which are funded by <strong>the</strong><br />
government. Our credibility with this is 100%.<br />
Mexico Yes<br />
The Ministry <strong>of</strong> Health, Ministry <strong>of</strong> Public Education, Ministry <strong>of</strong> Labour and <strong>the</strong><br />
Presidency.<br />
ANSNIC co-operates with Senators <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> National Congress to enact laws for <strong>the</strong><br />
Nicaragua Yes benefit <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people. We also co-operate with <strong>the</strong> Ministry <strong>of</strong> Education, <strong>the</strong><br />
Ministry <strong>of</strong> Health and <strong>the</strong> Mayor’s <strong>of</strong>fice.<br />
Panama Yes National Ministry on Disability, First Lady <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Republic <strong>of</strong> Panamá<br />
Suriname <strong>No</strong><br />
Total 10 Yes (83%)<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
7.4.7 Does your Association/Group receive any financial support from your country’s current government?<br />
7.4.7.1 What is <strong>the</strong> amount <strong>of</strong> annual financial support from your country’s government?<br />
Country<br />
Does your<br />
Association/Group<br />
receive any financial<br />
support from your<br />
current country’s<br />
government?<br />
What is <strong>the</strong> amount <strong>of</strong> annual financial support from your country’s<br />
current government?<br />
Costa Rica Yes 6,400,000 Colonies USD12,800.00 (8,642€ on 29 th February 2008)<br />
Cuba Yes 5090 - 0 Miles de Pesos(3,634€ on 29 th February 2008)<br />
Dominican Republic <strong>No</strong><br />
El Salvador <strong>No</strong><br />
Guatemala Yes Q1,000,000.00 = USD131,579 (86,989€ on 29 th February 2008)<br />
Guyana <strong>No</strong><br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 54<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
Haiti <strong>No</strong><br />
Honduras Yes USD20,000 (13,222€ on 29 th February 2008)<br />
Mexico <strong>No</strong><br />
Nicaragua <strong>No</strong><br />
Panama <strong>No</strong><br />
Suriname <strong>No</strong><br />
Total 4 Yes (33%)<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
7.4.7.2 What is <strong>the</strong> purpose <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> financial support from your country’s government to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community?<br />
Country What is <strong>the</strong> purpose <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> financial support from your country’s government to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community?<br />
Costa Rica Scholarship Programme for <strong>Deaf</strong> Students<br />
Cuba<br />
Guatemala<br />
Honduras<br />
Encourage <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> national association to foster a good working relationship with its partners<br />
and to give better attention to <strong>the</strong> same despite <strong>the</strong> economic blockade by <strong>the</strong> United States. Were it not for<br />
this blockade, more resources would be available to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community in Cuba.<br />
Optical, supply hearing aids for <strong>Deaf</strong> people, speech <strong>the</strong>rapy, Interpreting Service, <strong>Deaf</strong> Awareness Programme<br />
for <strong>the</strong> hearing community including parents, sign language courses, computer equipment, Sign Language Work<br />
Group to develop a dictionary and Recreation Programmes.<br />
For management <strong>of</strong> national projects to improve <strong>the</strong> living conditions (currently sub-human) for <strong>Deaf</strong> people in<br />
Honduras.<br />
7.4.8 Do <strong>Deaf</strong> people have a right to vote in national, regional and local elections?<br />
7.4.9 Are <strong>Deaf</strong> people allowed to obtain a driver’s licence?<br />
7.4.10 Are <strong>Deaf</strong> people allowed to marry <strong>Deaf</strong> or o<strong>the</strong>r partners?<br />
7.4.11 Are <strong>Deaf</strong> people allowed to have children?<br />
7.4.12 Are <strong>Deaf</strong> people allowed to adopt children?<br />
Country<br />
Do <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
have a right to<br />
vote in national,<br />
regional and local<br />
elections?<br />
Are <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
allowed to<br />
obtain a driver’s<br />
licence?<br />
Are <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
allowed to marry<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> or o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
partners?<br />
Are <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
allowed to have<br />
children?<br />
Are <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
allowed to adopt<br />
children?<br />
Costa Rica Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes<br />
Cuba Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes<br />
Dominican Republic Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes<br />
El Salvador Yes Yes Yes Yes <strong>No</strong><br />
Guatemala Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes<br />
Guyana Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes<br />
Haiti Yes <strong>No</strong> Yes Yes <strong>No</strong><br />
Honduras Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes<br />
Mexico Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes<br />
Nicaragua Yes <strong>No</strong> Yes Yes Yes<br />
Panama Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes<br />
Suriname Yes Yes Yes Yes Unknown<br />
Total 12 Yes (100%) 10 Yes (83%) 12 Yes (100%) 12 Yes (100%) 9 Yes (75%)<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
7.4.12.1 If <strong>Deaf</strong> people are not allowed to drive, please list <strong>the</strong> Government legislation or policy that stops <strong>the</strong>m from<br />
being allowed to drive.<br />
Country<br />
Haiti<br />
If <strong>Deaf</strong> people are not allowed to drive, please list <strong>the</strong> Government legislation or policy that stops <strong>the</strong>m<br />
from being allowed to drive.<br />
There is no governmental legislation or policy preventing this, however it will never be permitted by <strong>the</strong> person<br />
in charge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> national police force’s road traffic division, because a <strong>Deaf</strong> person is a handicapped person.<br />
Nicaragua <strong>No</strong> information supplied<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 55<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
7.4.12.2 If <strong>Deaf</strong> people are not allowed to adopt children, please list any specific Government legislation or policy that<br />
stops <strong>Deaf</strong> people from being allowed to adopt children.<br />
Country<br />
El Salvador<br />
Haiti<br />
If <strong>Deaf</strong> people are not allowed to adopt children, please list any specific Government legislation or policy<br />
that stops <strong>Deaf</strong> people from being allowed to adopt children.<br />
There is no legislation preventing <strong>Deaf</strong> people from adopting children, however society does not permit <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
people to adopt.<br />
There is no governmental legislation or policy preventing this, however it will never be permitted by <strong>the</strong> person<br />
in charge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> I.B.E.S.R. that a <strong>Deaf</strong> person is authorised to adopt a child.<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 56<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
7.5.0 Access to Government Services<br />
7.5.1 Do <strong>Deaf</strong> people have access to government services such as education, health care, employment, social welfare<br />
and any general government services?<br />
7.5.1.1 If yes, how do <strong>Deaf</strong> people access <strong>the</strong>se government services?<br />
7.5.1.2 Are <strong>Deaf</strong> people satisfied with <strong>the</strong> level <strong>of</strong> access <strong>the</strong>y have to <strong>the</strong> government services?<br />
Country<br />
Do <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
have access to<br />
government<br />
services such as<br />
education, health<br />
care, employment,<br />
social welfare and<br />
any general<br />
government<br />
services?<br />
Costa Rica Yes<br />
Cuba Yes<br />
Dominican Republic Yes<br />
El Salvador Yes<br />
Guatemala Yes<br />
Haiti <strong>No</strong><br />
Guyana <strong>No</strong><br />
Honduras Yes<br />
Mexico Yes<br />
Nicaragua Yes<br />
Panama Yes<br />
Suriname <strong>No</strong><br />
Total 9 Yes (75%)<br />
If yes, how do <strong>Deaf</strong> people access<br />
<strong>the</strong>se government services?<br />
Access to government services is<br />
provided for in Law 7600<br />
Quite naturally like any citizen <strong>of</strong><br />
our country, without distinction,<br />
with priority given to members <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> association. For example<br />
children under 5 years <strong>of</strong> age with<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> parents have priority to enter<br />
childcare whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r works<br />
or not. Members pay 50% <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
price <strong>of</strong> transport, also for tickets to<br />
<strong>the</strong>atrical performances & o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
activities.<br />
<strong>No</strong>w working on inclusion <strong>of</strong> children<br />
& youth in schools all around <strong>the</strong><br />
country.<br />
The same as hearing persons, and as<br />
necessary.<br />
The constitution gives equal rights in<br />
education, health and social life.<br />
ANSH regularly sends information to<br />
parents and families about support<br />
in school and high school; and we<br />
have direct contact and lobby<br />
government.<br />
The problem in Mexico is <strong>the</strong>re are<br />
few <strong>Deaf</strong> and hearing teachers who<br />
know LSM. We are now in <strong>the</strong><br />
process <strong>of</strong> developing more<br />
workshops for teachers.<br />
Access to government services is <strong>the</strong><br />
same as that <strong>of</strong> any citizen in <strong>the</strong><br />
country.<br />
There are many problems because<br />
some <strong>Deaf</strong> want to work as teachers<br />
but <strong>the</strong> Ministry <strong>of</strong> Education will<br />
not accept this.<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
Are <strong>Deaf</strong> people satisfied with <strong>the</strong> level<br />
<strong>of</strong> access <strong>the</strong>y have to <strong>the</strong> government<br />
services?<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> people are not happy because many<br />
institutions do not attend to Law 7600.<br />
Yes, because <strong>the</strong> social programmes<br />
taking place in our country are<br />
qualitatively superior in <strong>the</strong> areas <strong>of</strong><br />
education, employment, social security,<br />
social services, housing and transport<br />
among o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />
<strong>No</strong>, because it is very limited.<br />
<strong>No</strong>, <strong>the</strong>re is a need for more quality to<br />
make <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> community happy.<br />
<strong>No</strong>, <strong>the</strong> basic service is from <strong>the</strong><br />
government and <strong>the</strong>re is not enough for<br />
all people (<strong>Deaf</strong> and hearing).<br />
<strong>No</strong>, since <strong>the</strong>re is no access to <strong>the</strong>se<br />
governmental services.<br />
More or less, but we are conscientious<br />
that <strong>the</strong>re is much lacking; <strong>the</strong>re are<br />
areas that are not covered. The<br />
Association continues working to change<br />
this, since most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Interpreting<br />
Service Centres do not <strong>of</strong>fer support.<br />
<strong>No</strong>, previously we did not have access to<br />
university because we didn’t have<br />
interpreters. <strong>No</strong>w we are working to<br />
train interpreters.<br />
<strong>No</strong>, because it is very limited & <strong>the</strong>re are<br />
many cases <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people not having<br />
equality with hearing people in <strong>the</strong><br />
country. The law says that places <strong>of</strong><br />
employment must give 2% <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
employee positions to people with<br />
disabilities & provide <strong>the</strong>se employees<br />
with <strong>the</strong> conditions necessary to do <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
work.<br />
Limited; some places <strong>of</strong> employment do<br />
not give a good salary, because <strong>Deaf</strong> are<br />
disabled.<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 57<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
7.5.2 Are <strong>Deaf</strong> people entitled to any financial assistance from your country’s government?<br />
7.5.2.1 What type <strong>of</strong> financial assistance are <strong>Deaf</strong> people entitled to receive from your country’s government?<br />
Country<br />
Are <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
people<br />
entitled to<br />
any financial<br />
assistance<br />
from your<br />
country’s<br />
government?<br />
Disability<br />
Allowance<br />
General<br />
Pension<br />
Disabilityspecific<br />
Pension<br />
Costa Rica Yes <br />
Cuba Yes <br />
Dominican Republic Yes<br />
El Salvador Yes<br />
<br />
Guatemala Yes <br />
O<strong>the</strong>r Description<br />
Guyana Yes Social Welfare<br />
Haiti <strong>No</strong><br />
Honduras Yes<br />
Mexico Yes <br />
Nicaragua Yes<br />
Panama <strong>No</strong><br />
Suriname <strong>No</strong><br />
Total 9 Yes (75%)<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 58<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).<br />
<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
<br />
<br />
We have <strong>the</strong> right to it but no<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> people have claimed any<br />
financial assistance.<br />
A special allowance for all<br />
students (Primary – Secondary<br />
Educations)
7.6.0 Access to <strong>the</strong> Media<br />
7.6.1 Does your country’s government provide sign language services for news and/or current affairs programmes on<br />
public television?<br />
Country<br />
Does your country’s<br />
government provide<br />
sign language<br />
services for news<br />
and/or current affairs<br />
programmes on<br />
public television?<br />
Costa Rica Yes<br />
Cuba Yes<br />
Dominican Republic <strong>No</strong><br />
El Salvador <strong>No</strong><br />
Please provide detailed information on how many hours or days per week<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> people receive sign language services for news and/or current affairs<br />
programmes on public television.<br />
One programme - 30 minutes once a week<br />
Every morning a one-hour programme provided by two stations<br />
ANSOC National News 16:30 to 16:45, Monday to Friday<br />
News Bulletin 9:15 (Three minutes) Sunday<br />
TELCENTROS in all 15 provinces has a space for each state’s local news<br />
Guatemala Yes A private station provides a one-hour programme every Saturday afternoon<br />
Guyana <strong>No</strong><br />
Haiti Yes 45 minutes per week; this programme will start in two months<br />
Honduras Yes<br />
Only one regional television station provides a one-hour programme every<br />
Monday afternoon<br />
Mexico Yes Only two minutes broadcast at 14.00 on Monday and Friday<br />
Nicaragua <strong>No</strong><br />
Panama Yes The news in <strong>the</strong> morning has an interpreter in <strong>the</strong> corner <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> screen<br />
Suriname <strong>No</strong><br />
Total 7 Yes (58%)<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
7.6.2 Does your country’s government provide subtitles/captions for news and/or current affairs programmes?<br />
Country<br />
Does your country’s<br />
government provide<br />
subtitles/captions for<br />
news and/or current<br />
affairs programmes?<br />
Please provide detailed information on how many hours/days per week<br />
news/current affairs programmes (subtitled/captioned) are <strong>of</strong>fered for<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> people?<br />
Costa Rica Yes Every morning a one-hour programme provided by two stations<br />
Cuba Yes Same answer as in 7.6.1<br />
Dominican Republic <strong>No</strong><br />
El Salvador <strong>No</strong><br />
Guatemala <strong>No</strong><br />
Guyana <strong>No</strong><br />
Haiti <strong>No</strong><br />
Honduras <strong>No</strong><br />
Mexico <strong>No</strong><br />
Nicaragua Yes <strong>No</strong> Information supplied<br />
Panama <strong>No</strong><br />
Suriname <strong>No</strong><br />
Total 3 Yes (25%)<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 59<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
7.6.3 Does your country’s government <strong>of</strong>fer governmental documents in your country’s sign language(s)?<br />
Costa Rica<br />
Country Does your country’s government <strong>of</strong>fer governmental documents in your country’s sign language(s)?<br />
Cuba <strong>No</strong><br />
Dominican Republic <strong>No</strong><br />
El Salvador <strong>No</strong><br />
Guatemala <strong>No</strong><br />
Guyana <strong>No</strong><br />
Haiti <strong>No</strong><br />
Honduras <strong>No</strong><br />
Mexico <strong>No</strong><br />
Nicaragua <strong>No</strong><br />
Panama <strong>No</strong><br />
Suriname <strong>No</strong><br />
Total 0 Yes (0%)<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 60<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).<br />
<strong>No</strong><br />
Based on 12 respondents
7.7.0 Status <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> National Sign Language(s)<br />
7.7.1 Does your country’s government formally recognise your country’s sign language(s)?<br />
7.7.1.1 What legislation/regulation formally recognises your country’s sign language(s)?<br />
7.7.1.2 When did your country’s government formally recognise your country’s sign language(s)?<br />
7.7.1.3 Does your <strong>Deaf</strong> Association/<strong>Deaf</strong> Group lobby your government for <strong>the</strong> recognition <strong>of</strong> your country’s sign<br />
language(s)?<br />
7.7.1.4 If no, please explain <strong>the</strong> reason your Association/Group does not lobby your current government for <strong>the</strong><br />
recognition <strong>of</strong> your country’s sign language(s).<br />
Country<br />
Does your<br />
country’s<br />
government<br />
formally<br />
recognise<br />
your<br />
country’s sign<br />
language(s)?<br />
Costa Rica Yes<br />
Cuba Yes<br />
Dominican Republic Yes<br />
El Salvador<br />
Yes<br />
What<br />
legislation/<br />
regulation<br />
formally<br />
recognises<br />
your country’s<br />
sign<br />
language(s)?<br />
Policy and<br />
Guideline<br />
Policy<br />
In fact, steps<br />
are being<br />
taken to<br />
legalise <strong>the</strong><br />
informal<br />
recognition by<br />
government<br />
institutions<br />
that exists<br />
today.<br />
Accepting this<br />
legalisation is<br />
in process.<br />
National<br />
Council on<br />
Disability -<br />
CONADIS law<br />
42-2000<br />
General Law on<br />
Disability,<br />
Official<br />
Gazette 10049<br />
Guideline<br />
<strong>No</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial<br />
legislation<br />
supporting <strong>the</strong><br />
use <strong>of</strong> LESSA,<br />
but anyone is<br />
free to use<br />
LESSA or ASL<br />
When did your<br />
country’s government<br />
formally recognise<br />
your country’s sign<br />
language(s)?<br />
Does your<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Association/De<br />
af Group lobby<br />
your<br />
government<br />
for <strong>the</strong><br />
recognition <strong>of</strong><br />
your country’s<br />
sign<br />
language(s)?<br />
January 2001 Yes<br />
The educational aspect<br />
has been recognised by<br />
<strong>the</strong> Ministry <strong>of</strong><br />
Education since 1994<br />
If no, please explain<br />
<strong>the</strong> reason your<br />
Association/Group<br />
does not lobby your<br />
current government<br />
for <strong>the</strong> recognition<br />
<strong>of</strong> your country’s<br />
sign language(s).<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 61<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).<br />
Yes<br />
30 June 2000 <strong>No</strong><br />
Informal in 1997, when<br />
<strong>the</strong> School for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
“Licenciada Griselda<br />
Zeledon” started in San<br />
Salvador<br />
Guatemala <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong><br />
Guyana <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong><br />
Haiti <strong>No</strong> Yes<br />
Yes<br />
Our Association is<br />
trying to become<br />
more organised and<br />
we are creating<br />
priorities and<br />
responsibilities with<br />
leaders.<br />
Because we need<br />
more information,<br />
time and resources.<br />
The Government does<br />
not reject <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong><br />
sign language. Its<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficers recognise it<br />
as <strong>the</strong> communication<br />
tool <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> persons,<br />
although this<br />
recognition is not<br />
supported by<br />
legislation.
Honduras <strong>No</strong> Yes<br />
Mexico Yes Legislation 2005 Yes<br />
<strong>No</strong>w in process in<br />
Parliament based on a<br />
proposal from Senator<br />
Dayana Martinez.<br />
Nicaragua<br />
<strong>No</strong> Yes<br />
ANSCNIC presented<br />
<strong>the</strong> Commission <strong>of</strong><br />
Education <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
National Assembly<br />
with a project for<br />
2008 to increase legal<br />
knowledge and work<br />
towards acceptance<br />
and approval <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Nicaraguan Sign<br />
Language - Idioma de<br />
Señas Nicaraguense.<br />
Panama Yes Legislation 2004 <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong><br />
Suriname <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong><br />
Total 6 Yes (50%)<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
7 Yes (58%)<br />
7.7.2 Does your country have a sign language dictionary?<br />
Costa Rica<br />
Country Does your country have a sign language dictionary?<br />
Yes<br />
Cuba Yes<br />
Dominican Republic <strong>No</strong><br />
El Salvador Yes<br />
Guatemala Yes<br />
Guyana <strong>No</strong><br />
Haiti <strong>No</strong><br />
Honduras Yes<br />
Mexico Yes<br />
Nicaragua Yes<br />
Panama Yes<br />
Suriname <strong>No</strong><br />
Total 8 Yes (67%)<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
We do not have a<br />
national sign<br />
language. We need<br />
Dutch sign language.<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 62<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
7.8.0 Access to Education<br />
7.8.1 Does your country’s government recognise that <strong>Deaf</strong> children and <strong>Deaf</strong> students have <strong>the</strong> right to receive an<br />
education?<br />
7.8.2 Does your country’s government have any legislation or policies on <strong>Deaf</strong> Education?<br />
7.8.2.1 If yes, please list <strong>the</strong> specific name <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> legislation or policies relating to <strong>Deaf</strong> Education.<br />
Country<br />
Does your<br />
country’s<br />
government<br />
recognise that<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> children<br />
and <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
students have<br />
<strong>the</strong> right to<br />
receive an<br />
education?<br />
Does your<br />
country’s<br />
government<br />
have any<br />
legislation or<br />
policies on <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Education?<br />
Costa Rica Yes Yes<br />
Cuba Yes Yes<br />
Dominican Republic Yes <strong>No</strong><br />
El Salvador Yes <strong>No</strong><br />
Guatemala Yes Yes<br />
Guyana Yes <strong>No</strong><br />
Haiti Yes <strong>No</strong><br />
Honduras Yes Yes<br />
Mexico Yes Yes<br />
Nicaragua Yes <strong>No</strong><br />
If yes, please list <strong>the</strong> specific name <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> legislation or<br />
policies relating to <strong>Deaf</strong> Education.<br />
Law <strong>No</strong> 7600 – Equal Opportunity for People with Disabilities:<br />
<strong>No</strong>rms and Processes <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Education for Children, Young<br />
People and Adults<br />
We have legal documents that are very specific about <strong>the</strong> right<br />
to <strong>Deaf</strong> Education.<br />
School Integration Law: says that students with a hearing<br />
disability can receive inclusive education in regular schools. The<br />
law says all children have <strong>the</strong> right to education but <strong>the</strong>re is no<br />
special education for <strong>Deaf</strong> people.<br />
Law <strong>No</strong> 160 – 2005, Equality and Full Development <strong>of</strong> People<br />
with Disabilities<br />
General Law for People with Disabilities (2005). Education for<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> people is bilingual and <strong>the</strong>y have a right to use LSM.<br />
Panama Yes Yes Inclusive Education (<strong>No</strong>rmal Schools)<br />
Suriname Yes <strong>No</strong><br />
Total 12 Yes (100%) 6 Yes (50%)<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
Please note: The Regional Working Group queried those six countries who replied that <strong>the</strong>re was no legislation or policy on<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Education; <strong>the</strong> Regional Co-ordinator has extensive experience in <strong>the</strong> field <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Education in <strong>the</strong> region, and he<br />
stated that in 1996 every country’s government signed <strong>the</strong> “Law for Equal Opportunities for People with Disabilities” (Ley de<br />
Equiparación de Oportunidades para las personas con Discapacidad). He was able to locate examples <strong>of</strong> laws from <strong>the</strong><br />
Internet, as follows:<br />
Costa Rica:<br />
http://biblioteca.cipet.ac.cr/files/Ley%207600%20%20y%20reglamento%20igualdad%20de%20oportunidades.pdf<br />
Guatemala:<br />
http://www.acnur.org/biblioteca/pdf/0147.pdf<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 63<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
El Salvador:<br />
Ley de Equiparación de Oportunidades para las personas con Discapacidad<br />
Diario Oficial # 95, l Tomo # 347, Decreto # 888, publicado el 24 de Mayo de 2001<br />
http://www.elsalvador-in.com/talento1.html<br />
Nicaragua:<br />
Ley <strong>No</strong>. 202, Ley de Prevencion, Rehabilitación y Equipacarcion de Oportunidades para personas con Discapacidad<br />
Tomado de “La Gaceta”- Diario Oficial <strong>No</strong>. 180. del 27/9/95<br />
http://www.poder-judicial.go.cr/accesibilidad/derechos/03.%20Leyes%20Discapacidad/03.d.%20Ley%20202%20Nicaragua.doc<br />
7.8.3 Does your country’s government provide any <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> following educational settings for <strong>Deaf</strong> children and <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
students?<br />
Country<br />
Early<br />
intervention<br />
(Up to 5 years<br />
old)<br />
Kindergarten<br />
(Between 3/4<br />
years old to 5/6<br />
years old)<br />
Primary<br />
(From 5/6<br />
years old<br />
to 12/13<br />
years old)<br />
Secondary<br />
(From 12/13<br />
years old to<br />
17/18 years<br />
old)<br />
University<br />
(After 18<br />
years old)<br />
Vocational<br />
Education/Training<br />
Costa Rica Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes<br />
Cuba Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes<br />
Dominican Republic Unclear Unclear Unclear Unclear Unclear Unclear<br />
El Salvador Yes <strong>No</strong> Yes Yes Yes Yes<br />
Guatemala <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong><br />
Guyana <strong>No</strong> Yes Yes Yes <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong><br />
Haiti <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong><br />
Honduras Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes<br />
Mexico Yes Yes Yes Yes <strong>No</strong> Yes<br />
Nicaragua <strong>No</strong> Yes Yes Yes <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong><br />
Panama Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes<br />
Suriname Yes Yes Yes Yes <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong><br />
Total 7 Yes (58%) 8 Yes (66%)<br />
9 Yes<br />
(75%)<br />
9 Yes (75%) 5 Yes (41%) 6 Yes (50%)<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
Please note: One member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Regional Working Group, from Guatemala, stated that her country’s government is not<br />
responsible to manage schools for <strong>Deaf</strong> children; however <strong>the</strong>re are schools for <strong>Deaf</strong> children managed by private<br />
institutions. Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> answers received via <strong>the</strong> survey changed because <strong>the</strong> Regional Working Group knew factual<br />
information about schools for <strong>Deaf</strong> children in <strong>the</strong> WFD MCAC Region.<br />
The WFD MCAC Regional Director visited <strong>the</strong> Dominican Republic where he was hoping to obtain information on educational<br />
settings; unfortunately he was unable to do so <strong>the</strong>refore all information for <strong>the</strong> Dominican Republic is recorded as Unknown.<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 64<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
7.8.4 Does your country’s government provide bilingual education using your country’s sign language(s) for <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
children and <strong>Deaf</strong> students in your country?<br />
Country<br />
Costa Rica<br />
Does your country’s government provide bilingual education using your country’s sign language(s)<br />
for <strong>Deaf</strong> children and <strong>Deaf</strong> students in your country?<br />
Cuba Yes<br />
Dominican Republic <strong>No</strong><br />
El Salvador Yes<br />
Guatemala <strong>No</strong><br />
Guyana <strong>No</strong><br />
Haiti <strong>No</strong><br />
Honduras Yes<br />
Mexico Yes<br />
Nicaragua Yes<br />
Panama <strong>No</strong><br />
Suriname Yes<br />
Total 7 Yes (58%)<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 65<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).<br />
Yes<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
7.8.4.1 If yes, in which educational setting is bilingual education <strong>of</strong>fered in your country using your sign language(s)?<br />
Country<br />
Early<br />
intervention<br />
(Up to 5 years<br />
old)<br />
Kindergarten<br />
(Between 3/4<br />
years old to 5/6<br />
years old)<br />
Primary<br />
(From 5/6<br />
years old to<br />
12/13 years<br />
old)<br />
Secondary<br />
(From 12/13<br />
years old to<br />
17/18 years<br />
old)<br />
University<br />
(After 18 years<br />
old)<br />
Vocational<br />
Education/Training<br />
Costa Rica Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes<br />
Cuba Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes<br />
El Salvador Yes <strong>No</strong> Yes Yes Yes Yes<br />
Honduras Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes<br />
Mexico Yes Yes Yes Yes <strong>No</strong> Yes<br />
Nicaragua <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong> Yes Yes <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong><br />
Suriname Yes Yes Yes Yes <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong><br />
Total 6 Yes (85%) 5 Yes (71%) 7 Yes (100%) 7 Yes (100%) 4 Yes (57%) 5 Yes (71%)<br />
Based on seven respondents<br />
7.8.5 Does your country have any schools specifically for <strong>Deaf</strong> children and <strong>Deaf</strong> students?<br />
7.8.5.1 If yes, how many <strong>Deaf</strong> schools does your country have?<br />
Country<br />
Does your country have any schools<br />
specifically for <strong>Deaf</strong> children and <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
students?<br />
Costa Rica Yes<br />
If yes, how many <strong>Deaf</strong> schools does your country have?<br />
2 <strong>Deaf</strong> schools<br />
2 <strong>Deaf</strong> Units in Special Education Schools<br />
1 <strong>Deaf</strong> Adult Education Centre<br />
7 Inclusive Education programmes at Hearing Public Schools<br />
Cuba Yes 16 <strong>Deaf</strong> Schools<br />
1 National School for <strong>Deaf</strong> and Mute Children and 10<br />
Regional Schools for <strong>Deaf</strong> and Mute Children<br />
Dominican Republic Yes<br />
1 Institute “Santa Rosa” to Assist <strong>Deaf</strong> Pupils<br />
1 Christian Centre <strong>of</strong> Education for <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
5 Schools included in a Church<br />
El Salvador Yes<br />
3 National Schools<br />
1 Private School<br />
Guatemala Yes 9 Private Schools (<strong>No</strong> Government Schools)<br />
Guyana Yes 1 <strong>Deaf</strong> School<br />
Haiti Yes 5 <strong>Deaf</strong> Schools
Honduras Yes<br />
6 Government Schools<br />
3 Private Schools<br />
3 Regional <strong>Deaf</strong> Schools (Private) provide Bilingual education<br />
Mexico Yes<br />
Many Private Schools (Oral Education)<br />
Many Government Schools (Oral Education)<br />
17 Hearing Schools (Government) with a classroom for <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Nicaragua Yes<br />
Students<br />
Hearing Schools (Private) with a specialised classroom for<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> students<br />
1 Special School for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (IPHE) (government)<br />
Panama Yes<br />
9 Regional Schools for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (government)<br />
Inclusive Education is available at all schools in Panama<br />
Suriname Yes 1 <strong>Deaf</strong> School<br />
Total 12 Yes (100%) 96<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
7.8.5.2 What is <strong>the</strong> educational approach for communicating with <strong>Deaf</strong> children and students at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> School in your<br />
country?<br />
Country<br />
Bilingual<br />
Education<br />
1<br />
Oral<br />
Method<br />
2<br />
Cued<br />
Speech<br />
3<br />
Oral and Sign<br />
Language (Total<br />
Communication)<br />
4<br />
Costa Rica <br />
Cuba <br />
Dominican Republic <br />
El Salvador <br />
Guatemala <br />
Guyana <br />
Haiti <br />
Auditory<br />
5 O<strong>the</strong>r Explanation<br />
Verbal<br />
Mixture <strong>of</strong> Guyanese and<br />
American Sign Languages<br />
Honduras Spanish written language<br />
Mexico <br />
Nicaragua <br />
Panama <br />
Suriname <br />
1 Bilingual Education: Sign language is considered to be <strong>the</strong> natural language (‘mo<strong>the</strong>r tongue’) that will be acquired as a first<br />
language. Spoken language, which is not acquired naturally by <strong>Deaf</strong> children, will be learned as a second language as <strong>the</strong> child<br />
becomes cognitively/developmentally ready. Both languages are used throughout <strong>the</strong> child’s entire education.<br />
2 Oral Education: Spoken language is assumed to be <strong>the</strong> basis for standard social and academic communication, and <strong>the</strong> human<br />
system is assumed to be designed (pre-wired) to learn language expressed in speech. Children learn about and from spoken<br />
language. Also known as auditory-oral, aural/oral education. Emphasis on speech.<br />
3 Cued Speech: A visual mode <strong>of</strong> communication that uses hand shapes and placements in combination with <strong>the</strong> mouth<br />
movements <strong>of</strong> speech to make <strong>the</strong> phonemes <strong>of</strong> a spoken language look different from each o<strong>the</strong>r, resulting in a visual<br />
counterpart <strong>of</strong> a spoken language.<br />
4 Total Communication: All forms and modes <strong>of</strong> communications are used. This includes natural gestures, sign language,<br />
manually-coded spoken languages, sign systems, mime, audition and speech.<br />
5 Auditory Verbal Education: Supposes that even minimal amounts <strong>of</strong> residual hearing can lead to <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong><br />
spontaneous speech and language, if that residual hearing is stimulated. Children learn to process language through amplified<br />
hearing. A method <strong>of</strong> oral education with an emphasis on listening.<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 66<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
7.8.6 What is <strong>the</strong> general opinion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> level <strong>of</strong> education received by <strong>Deaf</strong> children and <strong>Deaf</strong> students in your country?<br />
7.8.7 What is <strong>the</strong> general opinion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> current literacy level <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> children and <strong>Deaf</strong> students in your country?<br />
Country<br />
Costa Rica<br />
Cuba<br />
Dominican Republic<br />
El Salvador<br />
What is <strong>the</strong> general opinion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> level <strong>of</strong><br />
education received by <strong>Deaf</strong> children and <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
students in your country?<br />
We are not able to provide a general opinion <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Education in Costa Rica, as it is necessary<br />
to do a review <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Education.<br />
We are constantly refining our analysis and find<br />
<strong>the</strong> most difficulties are in learning Spanish. In<br />
general <strong>the</strong>re are good reviews.<br />
We need to establish Bilingual Education for<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Children.<br />
The general opinion is that schools provide<br />
education in sign language yet problems with<br />
literacy skills continue.<br />
Guatemala<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Education is <strong>of</strong> a very low standard – <strong>the</strong><br />
curriculum is not <strong>the</strong> same as in education for<br />
hearing children.<br />
Low level<br />
Guyana <strong>No</strong>t good enough. More could be done. Poor<br />
Haiti<br />
Honduras<br />
Mexico<br />
Nicaragua<br />
A large majority <strong>of</strong> people say that <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
should not attend school and that sign language<br />
is not a language.<br />
<strong>No</strong>t satisfactory because <strong>the</strong>re is no <strong>of</strong>ficial<br />
programme for <strong>Deaf</strong> Education. We do have<br />
Inclusive Education but it is not <strong>of</strong> a very high<br />
standard.<br />
The status <strong>of</strong> Bilingualism for <strong>Deaf</strong> children is<br />
very acceptable; however it is still in <strong>the</strong> early<br />
stages.<br />
It is still limited. Our Association continues to<br />
work toward making sign language available in<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> schools.<br />
Panama <strong>Deaf</strong> Education is very limited in Panama.<br />
Suriname<br />
Low level. The school teachers do not have<br />
good communication with <strong>the</strong> children. The<br />
children learn some but do not have a<br />
comprehensive understanding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong><br />
language or vocabulary.<br />
What is <strong>the</strong> general opinion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> current literacy<br />
level <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> children and <strong>Deaf</strong> students in your<br />
country?<br />
Poor, <strong>the</strong> teaching methodology for literacy must<br />
improve through <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> sign language as a<br />
mo<strong>the</strong>r tongue language.<br />
There are currently major difficulties but we are<br />
working on <strong>the</strong> methodology <strong>of</strong> acquisition <strong>of</strong><br />
Spanish as a second language.<br />
It is necessary to have Bilingualism for <strong>Deaf</strong> people.<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Children do understand a basic sign language<br />
vocabulary but <strong>the</strong>ir literacy levels are not<br />
considered <strong>of</strong> a high enough standard to enable<br />
<strong>the</strong>m entry to University.<br />
A large number <strong>of</strong> people think that <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
should not be taught reading and writing. This is why<br />
most parents <strong>of</strong> newborn <strong>Deaf</strong> children do not send<br />
<strong>the</strong>m to school and pressure <strong>the</strong> State to assume<br />
responsibility for <strong>the</strong>se <strong>Deaf</strong> children.<br />
Poor level<br />
It depends on <strong>the</strong> education <strong>the</strong> student received:<br />
those who went through <strong>the</strong> government education<br />
system have a very poor level <strong>of</strong> literacy while those<br />
who attended private schools have a high level <strong>of</strong><br />
literacy.<br />
Literacy levels are gradually improving especially for<br />
those children who use sign language.<br />
<strong>No</strong> one has literacy skills because <strong>the</strong> school<br />
teachers are not comprehensively skilled in literacy<br />
programmes for <strong>Deaf</strong> students.<br />
Low level<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 67<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
7.8.8 Do <strong>Deaf</strong> people have access to a University education in your country?<br />
7.8.8.1 If yes, how many Universities provide access to studies for <strong>Deaf</strong> people in your country?<br />
7.8.8.2 If no, why do <strong>Deaf</strong> people not have access to a university education in your country?<br />
Country<br />
Do <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
have access to a<br />
University<br />
education in your<br />
country?<br />
Costa Rica Yes<br />
Cuba Yes All<br />
Dominican Republic <strong>No</strong><br />
El Salvador Yes<br />
If yes, how many Universities provide<br />
access to studies for <strong>Deaf</strong> people in your<br />
country?<br />
4 State Universities and a small number <strong>of</strong><br />
private universities<br />
1 State University<br />
4 Private Universities<br />
Guatemala Yes Any University in Guatemala<br />
If no, why do <strong>Deaf</strong> people not<br />
have access to a university<br />
education in your country?<br />
Because <strong>the</strong> university does not<br />
provide sign language interpreting<br />
services.<br />
Guyana <strong>No</strong> Resources were never provided.<br />
Haiti <strong>No</strong><br />
Honduras Yes<br />
1 State University<br />
4 Private Universities<br />
Mexico Yes 4 Private Universities<br />
Nicaragua Yes<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> students can enter any university in<br />
Nicaragua<br />
Panama Yes 6 Universities<br />
The <strong>Deaf</strong> people with <strong>the</strong> highest<br />
level <strong>of</strong> education have completed<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir traditional study only at <strong>the</strong><br />
9th grade level.<br />
Suriname Yes We do not have any information.<br />
Total 9 Yes (75%)<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
7.8.9 Do <strong>Deaf</strong> people have full access to sign language interpreting services at University?<br />
Country Do <strong>Deaf</strong> people have full access to sign language interpreting services at University?<br />
Costa Rica Yes (4 Universities)<br />
Cuba Yes<br />
Dominican Republic <strong>No</strong><br />
El Salvador Yes (1 University)<br />
Guatemala Yes (1 University)<br />
Guyana <strong>No</strong><br />
Haiti <strong>No</strong><br />
Honduras Yes (1 University)<br />
Mexico <strong>No</strong><br />
Nicaragua <strong>No</strong><br />
Panama <strong>No</strong><br />
Suriname <strong>No</strong><br />
Total 5 Yes (42%)<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 68<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
7.9.0 Status <strong>of</strong> Sign Language Interpreting Services<br />
7.9.1 Does your country have any sign language interpreters?<br />
7.9.1.1 How many sign language interpreters does your country have?<br />
7.9.1.2 Are <strong>the</strong>re any sign language interpreting qualifications available in your country?<br />
Country<br />
Does your country have<br />
any sign language<br />
interpreters?<br />
How many sign language<br />
interpreters does your country<br />
have?<br />
Are <strong>the</strong>re any sign language<br />
interpreting qualifications<br />
available in your country?<br />
Costa Rica Yes 9 Interpreters Yes<br />
Cuba Yes 434 Interpreters Yes<br />
Dominican Republic Yes 50 or more Interpreters <strong>No</strong><br />
El Salvador Yes 5 Interpreters <strong>No</strong><br />
Guatemala Yes Approximately 30 Interpreters Yes<br />
Guyana Yes 5 Interpreters <strong>No</strong><br />
Haiti Yes 106 Interpreters <strong>No</strong><br />
Honduras Yes 6 Interpreters Yes<br />
Mexico Yes 100 Interpreters Yes<br />
Nicaragua Yes 22 Interpreters Yes<br />
Panama Yes 15 Interpreters <strong>No</strong><br />
Suriname Yes 2 Interpreters Yes<br />
Total 12 Yes (100%) 7 Yes (58%)<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
7.9.1.3 Who provides <strong>the</strong> training for people who want to become qualified sign language interpreters?<br />
Country University<br />
Costa Rica<br />
In co-operation with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Association<br />
Community<br />
College<br />
National Association<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Cuba <br />
Guatemala <br />
Honduras <br />
Mexico<br />
In co-operation with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Association<br />
Nicaragua In co-operation with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Association<br />
Suriname<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 69<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).<br />
<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r<br />
Half Technical (similar<br />
to an American<br />
diploma);<br />
Beginners’ courses at<br />
ANSOC.<br />
Training provided by <strong>the</strong><br />
Ne<strong>the</strong>rlands
7.9.1.4 How many years <strong>of</strong> training are available to someone who wants to become a sign language interpreter?<br />
Country Four Years Three Years Two Years<br />
Costa Rica <br />
Cuba<br />
Guatemala<br />
<br />
Diploma<br />
Honduras <br />
Mexico <br />
Nicaragua<br />
<br />
Less than One<br />
Year<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 70<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).<br />
<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r<br />
5 years university;<br />
Beginners’ courses are a total <strong>of</strong> 6 months, 3<br />
months for <strong>the</strong> first level and 3 months for<br />
<strong>the</strong> second level<br />
Suriname <strong>No</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial training programme<br />
7.9.1.5 How many sign language interpreters in your country have formal interpreting qualifications?<br />
Country How many sign language interpreters in your country have formal interpreting qualifications?<br />
Costa Rica<br />
9 Interpreters<br />
Cuba 434 Interpreters<br />
Guatemala 15 Interpreters<br />
Guyana 5 Interpreters<br />
Haiti<br />
<strong>No</strong>ne because sign language is not recognised <strong>of</strong>ficially yet, and <strong>the</strong> national Ministry <strong>of</strong> Education does not<br />
accredit any interpreters. However CAPPA-SOURDS-HAITI has adopted a Code <strong>of</strong> Ethics for interpreters.<br />
Honduras 6 Interpreters<br />
Mexico 20 Interpreters<br />
Nicaragua 19 Interpreters<br />
Suriname 2 Interpreters<br />
7.9.1.6 How do <strong>Deaf</strong> people access sign language interpreters?<br />
Country How do <strong>Deaf</strong> people access sign language interpreters?<br />
Costa Rica Through text, fax and email. Also by approaching <strong>the</strong> Association <strong>of</strong> Sign Language Interpreters in Costa Rica.<br />
Cuba<br />
Through ANSOC at its different levels (municipal, province or state, also national). Also through <strong>the</strong> Ministry <strong>of</strong><br />
Education.<br />
Guatemala Through <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Association, and contacts with <strong>the</strong>ir family and friends.<br />
Guyana Upon request.<br />
Haiti Through <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Group or Religious Groups.<br />
Honduras Through text, fax and email, and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Association, as well as contacts with <strong>the</strong>ir family and friends.<br />
Mexico Through <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Association’s Interpreting Service via text, fax and email.<br />
Nicaragua Through <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Association’s Interpreting Service.<br />
Suriname<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> people do not know about sign language interpreters – for most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m it was a first to see <strong>the</strong> Dutch Sign<br />
Language Interpreters.
7.9.2 Does your country have sign language interpreting services?<br />
7.9.2.1 If yes, who provides <strong>the</strong>se sign language interpreting services?<br />
Country<br />
Does your<br />
country<br />
have sign<br />
language<br />
interpreting<br />
services?<br />
If yes, who<br />
provides <strong>the</strong>se<br />
sign language<br />
interpreting<br />
services?<br />
Government<br />
National<br />
Association<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Costa Rica Yes <br />
Cuba Yes <br />
Dominican Republic <strong>No</strong><br />
Private<br />
Sector<br />
El Salvador Yes <br />
Guatemala Yes <br />
Guyana <strong>No</strong><br />
Haiti Yes <br />
Honduras Yes <br />
Mexico Yes <br />
Nicaragua Yes <br />
Panama Yes <br />
Suriname <strong>No</strong><br />
Total 9 Yes (75%)<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
7.9.2.2 In what areas <strong>of</strong> life are sign language interpreting services available in your country?<br />
In what areas <strong>of</strong> life are sign language interpreting services<br />
available in your country?<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 71<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).<br />
Costa Rica<br />
Cuba<br />
El Salvador<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r<br />
Association <strong>of</strong> Sign Language Interpreters<br />
<strong>of</strong> Costa Rica<br />
Ministry <strong>of</strong> Education;<br />
Faculty <strong>of</strong> Physical Culture <strong>of</strong> INDER<br />
(National Institute <strong>of</strong> Sport, Physical<br />
Education and Recreation)<br />
Certain religious groups (Jehovah’s<br />
Witnesses and Baptists)<br />
Association <strong>of</strong> Sign Language Interpreters<br />
<strong>of</strong> Nicaragua<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Schools and <strong>the</strong> National Disability<br />
Organisation<br />
Social Services <br />
Health/Medical Services <br />
Employment Services <br />
Court Services <br />
Educational Services <br />
Counselling Services <br />
Financial Institutions <br />
Funerals/Weddings <br />
Entertainment <br />
Please note: The Regional Working Group stressed that not all interpreting services are available in rural cities in each<br />
country in <strong>the</strong> WFD MCAC Region. These interpreting services are available mainly in <strong>the</strong> capital cities.<br />
Guatemala<br />
Haiti<br />
Honduras<br />
Mexico<br />
Nicaragua<br />
Panama
7.9.2.3 What is <strong>the</strong> general opinion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se sign language interpreting services?<br />
Country What is <strong>the</strong> general opinion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se sign language interpreting services?<br />
Costa Rica<br />
1) In general, <strong>the</strong> interpreters’ service is good when <strong>the</strong>y are working from spoken language to sign language,<br />
but from sign to spoken <strong>the</strong>ir skills are very poor.<br />
2) There is a need to expand <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> interpreters to provide a good quality service.<br />
Cuba It is acceptable.<br />
El Salvador The service is satisfactory. We know we need more research into sign language for greater conceptual depth.<br />
Guatemala<br />
Haiti<br />
Honduras<br />
Mexico<br />
Nicaragua<br />
<strong>No</strong>t satisfactory. Most especially <strong>the</strong> Interpreter Training Programme at <strong>the</strong> University is not acceptable to <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> Community; <strong>the</strong>ir signing skills are very poor.<br />
It is beautiful to see that <strong>Deaf</strong> people can be included/understand; for <strong>the</strong> great majority <strong>of</strong> people it is very<br />
mysterious and interesting to see two or several people using sign language.<br />
The Interpreting Service is satisfactory; however we have a very limited number <strong>of</strong> interpreters available for<br />
<strong>the</strong> general community.<br />
It is average; however in <strong>the</strong> near future, <strong>the</strong> Government will be responsible to provide sign language<br />
interpreting services.<br />
The service is satisfactory; however all interpreters need to improve <strong>the</strong>ir knowledge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> topics <strong>of</strong> health,<br />
national law, politics, government relations with people with disabilities and o<strong>the</strong>r areas.<br />
More training for new interpreters is necessary.<br />
Panama Provision <strong>of</strong> interpreting services for <strong>Deaf</strong> people in Panama only started about six months ago.<br />
Additional Information from Guyana<br />
The sign language interpreting service is just at <strong>the</strong> beginning level, as <strong>the</strong> service was only established three or four years<br />
ago. The interpreters are not skilled yet but <strong>the</strong>y are learning everyday and improving <strong>the</strong>ir signing skills, taught by volunteer<br />
instructors from foreign countries, especially two Americans who are not interpreters but know and use sign language very<br />
well. There is a great need for two or three scholarships for hard-working volunteer interpreters to advance <strong>the</strong>ir studies in<br />
<strong>the</strong> field <strong>of</strong> interpreting abroad, which will in turn help in establishing a better interpreting service in Guyana in <strong>the</strong> future. In<br />
<strong>the</strong> next year or two we are thinking <strong>of</strong> teaching sign language to hearing participants who seriously want to become sign<br />
language interpreters.<br />
7.9.3 Do sign language interpreters receive payment for interpreting services in your country?<br />
7.9.3.1 Who is responsible for paying for a sign language interpreter?<br />
7.9.3.2 What is <strong>the</strong> average hourly rate <strong>of</strong> payment for sign language interpreters in your country?<br />
Country<br />
Do sign<br />
language<br />
interpreters<br />
receive<br />
payment for<br />
interpreting<br />
services in<br />
your<br />
country?<br />
Who is<br />
responsible<br />
for paying<br />
for a sign<br />
language<br />
interpreter?<br />
Government<br />
National<br />
Association<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Deaf</strong>/<strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Group<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong><br />
People<br />
Costa Rica Yes <br />
Cuba Yes <br />
Dominican Republic <strong>No</strong><br />
O<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
State universities<br />
and television<br />
stations<br />
Ministry <strong>of</strong><br />
Education, INDER<br />
(National Institute<br />
<strong>of</strong> Sport, Physical<br />
Education and<br />
Recreation)<br />
What is <strong>the</strong> average<br />
hourly rate <strong>of</strong><br />
payment for sign<br />
language interpreters<br />
in your country?<br />
Between USD3.00 -<br />
USD6.00 per hour<br />
(4.07€ - 8.14€ on 29 th<br />
February 2008)<br />
The basic monthly<br />
wage is USD355<br />
(253.47€ on 29 th<br />
February 2008)<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 72<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
El Salvador Yes <br />
Guatemala Yes<br />
Guyana Sometimes<br />
University and<br />
<strong>No</strong>n-Governmental<br />
Organisations<br />
University<br />
Haiti Yes <br />
Honduras Yes <br />
Mexico Yes <br />
Nicaragua Yes <br />
Panama Yes <br />
Suriname <strong>No</strong><br />
Total 9 Yes (75%)<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
The organisers <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> event where it<br />
is required<br />
University, <strong>No</strong>n-<br />
Governmental<br />
Organisations and<br />
private companies<br />
Association <strong>of</strong> Sign<br />
Language<br />
Interpreters <strong>of</strong><br />
Nicaragua<br />
• National<br />
Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> pays USD2.00<br />
per hour (1.32€ on<br />
29 th February<br />
2008).<br />
• University pays<br />
USD400 per<br />
month. (264.45€<br />
on 29 th February<br />
2008)<br />
• National<br />
Association also<br />
has a translation<br />
service from sign<br />
language to<br />
written Spanish;<br />
translators are<br />
paid USD1.00 per<br />
page. (0.66€ on<br />
29 th February 2008<br />
Approximately 75 – 150<br />
Quetzals per hour<br />
(6.54€ -13.07€ on 29 th<br />
February 2008)<br />
1,000 Guyana (3.35€<br />
on 29 th February 2008)<br />
2.500 Haitian Gourde<br />
for two hours<br />
(sometimes) (45.17€<br />
on 29 th February 2008)<br />
L. 100.00 (One<br />
hundred Lempira) per<br />
hour (3,51€ on 29 th<br />
February 2008)<br />
The average is $200 -<br />
$350 (Mexican Pesos)<br />
per hour (12.37€ -<br />
21.64€ on 29 th<br />
February 2008)<br />
The organisation pays<br />
USD5.00 per hour<br />
(3.30€ on 29th<br />
February 2008)<br />
Association <strong>of</strong> Sign<br />
Language Interpreters<br />
<strong>of</strong> Panama charges<br />
USD25.00 per hour<br />
(16.53€ on 29th<br />
February 2008)<br />
This Association does<br />
not have any desire to<br />
liaise with <strong>the</strong><br />
Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> Panama.<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 73<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
7.9.3.3 Do your sign language interpreters provide voluntary service for all sign language interpreting<br />
assignments?<br />
Country<br />
Costa Rica<br />
Do your sign language interpreters provide voluntary service for all sign language interpreting<br />
assignments?<br />
Cuba <strong>No</strong><br />
Dominican Republic Yes<br />
El Salvador Sometimes<br />
Guatemala Sometimes<br />
Guyana Sometimes<br />
Haiti Sometimes<br />
Honduras Sometimes<br />
Mexico Yes<br />
Nicaragua Sometimes<br />
Panama Sometimes<br />
Suriname Yes<br />
Total 4 Yes (33%)<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 74<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).<br />
Yes<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
7.9.4 Does your country have a National Association <strong>of</strong> Sign Language Interpreters?<br />
7.9.4.1 Is your National Association <strong>of</strong> Sign Language Interpreters independent from your National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Deaf</strong>?<br />
7.9.5 Is <strong>the</strong>re a national Code <strong>of</strong> Ethics for sign language interpreters in your country?<br />
Country<br />
Does your country have a<br />
National Association <strong>of</strong> Sign<br />
Language Interpreters?<br />
Is your National Association <strong>of</strong><br />
Sign Language Interpreters<br />
independent from your National<br />
Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong>?<br />
Is <strong>the</strong>re a national Code <strong>of</strong><br />
Ethics for sign language<br />
interpreters in your country?<br />
Costa Rica Yes Yes Yes<br />
Cuba <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong> Yes<br />
Dominican Republic <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong><br />
El Salvador <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong><br />
Guatemala <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong><br />
Guyana <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong><br />
Haiti Yes Yes Yes<br />
Honduras <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong> Yes<br />
Mexico Yes Yes Yes<br />
Nicaragua Yes Yes Yes<br />
Panama Yes Yes <strong>No</strong><br />
Suriname <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong> Yes<br />
Total 5 Yes (42%) 5 Yes (42%) 7 Yes (58%)<br />
Based on 12 respondents
7.9.6 Is <strong>the</strong>re any legislation or policy in your country which states that <strong>the</strong> government has a responsibility for <strong>the</strong><br />
provision <strong>of</strong> sign language interpreting services?<br />
7.9.6.1 If yes, please list <strong>the</strong> legislation or policies that specifically state <strong>the</strong> government has a responsibility for <strong>the</strong><br />
provision <strong>of</strong> sign language interpreting services.<br />
Country<br />
Is <strong>the</strong>re any legislation or<br />
policy in your country which<br />
states that <strong>the</strong> government<br />
has a responsibility for <strong>the</strong><br />
provision <strong>of</strong> sign language<br />
interpreting services?<br />
Costa Rica Yes<br />
Cuba <strong>No</strong><br />
Dominican Republic <strong>No</strong><br />
El Salvador <strong>No</strong><br />
Guatemala Yes<br />
Guyana <strong>No</strong><br />
Haiti <strong>No</strong><br />
If yes, please list <strong>the</strong> legislation or policies that specifically state<br />
<strong>the</strong> government has a responsibility for <strong>the</strong> provision <strong>of</strong> sign<br />
language interpreting services.<br />
Article 51, Law <strong>No</strong> 7600 – Equal Opportunity for People with<br />
Disabilities<br />
Law – Equal Opportunity for Persons with Disabilities<br />
Law – Inclusive Education<br />
Honduras Yes<br />
Law <strong>No</strong> 160 (2005) - Equality and Full Development <strong>of</strong> People with<br />
Disabilities<br />
Mexico Yes General Law for People with Disabilities (2005)<br />
Nicaragua <strong>No</strong><br />
Panama Yes Law – Equal Opportunity for Persons with Disabilities<br />
Suriname <strong>No</strong><br />
Total 5 Yes (42%)<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 75<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
7.10.0 Employment<br />
7.10.1 Does your country’s government consider that <strong>Deaf</strong> people have a right to be employed and earn a standard<br />
salary?<br />
7.10.2 Does your country’s government have any anti-discrimination laws in <strong>the</strong> area <strong>of</strong> employment, especially for<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> people or People with Disabilities?<br />
7.10.2.1 If yes, please write clearly <strong>the</strong> name <strong>of</strong> any legislation or policy that relates to anti-discrimination in<br />
employment.<br />
Country<br />
Does your<br />
country’s<br />
government<br />
consider that<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
have a right to<br />
be employed<br />
and earn a<br />
standard<br />
salary?<br />
Does your<br />
country’s<br />
government have<br />
any antidiscrimination<br />
laws in <strong>the</strong> area <strong>of</strong><br />
employment,<br />
especially for <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
people or People<br />
with Disabilities?<br />
If yes, please write clearly <strong>the</strong> name <strong>of</strong> any legislation or<br />
policy that relates to anti-discrimination in employment.<br />
Costa Rica Yes Yes Law 7600 – Employment Section<br />
• Resolution <strong>No</strong>. 9.3.2. 22/04 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ministry <strong>of</strong> Labour and<br />
Social Security (MTSS) Employment Programme for People<br />
with Disabilities (PROEMDIS)<br />
Cuba Yes Yes<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Oct / 07 Resolution <strong>No</strong>. 4 / 96 <strong>of</strong> MTSS, Agreement.<br />
4048 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> executive committee <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> council <strong>of</strong><br />
ministers in 2001,<br />
• Agreement. 5790 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> executive committee <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
council <strong>of</strong> ministers 17/oct/2006.<br />
Dominican Republic Yes Yes<br />
El Salvador Yes <strong>No</strong><br />
Guatemala Yes Yes <strong>No</strong> information supplied<br />
Guyana Yes <strong>No</strong><br />
Haiti Yes <strong>No</strong><br />
Policy <strong>of</strong> Labour Integration, which has <strong>the</strong> fundamental<br />
purpose <strong>of</strong> inclusion <strong>of</strong> people with disabilities in <strong>the</strong> general<br />
workforce<br />
Honduras Yes Yes<br />
Law <strong>No</strong> 160 (2005) - Equality and Full Development <strong>of</strong> People<br />
with Disabilities<br />
Mexico Yes Yes <strong>No</strong> information supplied<br />
Nicaragua Yes <strong>No</strong><br />
Panama Yes Yes <strong>No</strong> information supplied<br />
Suriname <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong><br />
Total 11 Yes (92%) 7 Yes (58%)<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
7.10.3 Does your Association/Group have any <strong>of</strong>ficial or approximate figures on <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people who are in<br />
paid employment in your country?<br />
7.10.3.1 If yes, how many <strong>Deaf</strong> people are in employment?<br />
Does your<br />
Association/Group<br />
have any <strong>of</strong>ficial or<br />
approximate figures<br />
Country<br />
on <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> people who are<br />
in paid employment<br />
in your country?<br />
Costa Rica <strong>No</strong><br />
Total Number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
people employed<br />
Number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Women<br />
employed<br />
Number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Men<br />
employed<br />
Cuba Yes 7,528 2,655 4,863<br />
Dominican Republic <strong>No</strong><br />
El Salvador <strong>No</strong><br />
Guatemala <strong>No</strong><br />
Guyana <strong>No</strong><br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 76<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
Haiti <strong>No</strong><br />
Honduras <strong>No</strong><br />
Mexico <strong>No</strong><br />
Nicaragua <strong>No</strong><br />
Panama Yes 5,000 3,000 2,000<br />
Suriname <strong>No</strong><br />
Total 2 Yes (16%)<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
7.10.3.2 What are <strong>the</strong> most common areas <strong>of</strong> work for <strong>Deaf</strong> people in your country?<br />
What are <strong>the</strong> most common areas <strong>of</strong> work for <strong>Deaf</strong> people in<br />
your country?<br />
Office Administration<br />
<br />
Management <br />
Education <br />
Theatre/Arts <br />
Research Projects <br />
Sign Language <br />
Social Services <br />
Farm Work <br />
Financial Industry <br />
Engineering <br />
Welding <br />
Carpentry <br />
Jeweller <br />
Tailoring <br />
Building <br />
Painter <br />
Cleaning <br />
Car Mechanic <br />
Panel Beater <br />
Shoe Repairing <br />
Bakery <br />
Hairdresser <br />
Printer <br />
Catering <br />
O<strong>the</strong>rs <br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 77<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).<br />
Costa Rica<br />
Cuba<br />
El Salvador<br />
Guatemala<br />
Guyana<br />
Haiti<br />
Honduras<br />
Mexico<br />
Nicaragua<br />
Panama
Country O<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
Costa Rica Computer Systems Service<br />
Cuba<br />
Medical Pr<strong>of</strong>essional, Lawyer, Author, Health Pr<strong>of</strong>essional, Technical Pr<strong>of</strong>essional and Member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ministry <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Interior<br />
El Salvador Dental Technician<br />
Guatemala Duty-free Factory Industry and <strong>Deaf</strong> Peddlers (ABC Cards and o<strong>the</strong>r deafness-related items)<br />
Guyana<br />
Grass Cutter, Bartender, Housemaid/Housecleaning, Seamstress. Mainly unskilled labour that requires a minimum<br />
<strong>of</strong> verbal communication.<br />
Honduras Computer Systems Service and Duty-free Factory Industry<br />
Haiti Car Cleaning/Shoe Cleaning/Dock Workers/Beggars<br />
Mexico Administration and Computer System Services<br />
7.10.4 Does your country have any figures on <strong>the</strong> percentage <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people who are unemployed?<br />
7.10.4.1 Why are <strong>Deaf</strong> people unemployed in your country?<br />
Country<br />
Does your country have any figures on <strong>the</strong><br />
percentage <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people who are<br />
unemployed?<br />
Costa Rica <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong> information provided<br />
Cuba <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong> information provided<br />
Dominican Republic <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong> information provided<br />
El Salvador <strong>No</strong><br />
Guatemala <strong>No</strong><br />
Guyana <strong>No</strong><br />
Haiti <strong>No</strong><br />
Honduras <strong>No</strong><br />
Mexico <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong> information provided<br />
Nicaragua <strong>No</strong><br />
Panama <strong>No</strong><br />
Why are <strong>Deaf</strong> people unemployed in your country?<br />
Because equal opportunity law is not implemented in<br />
our country.<br />
Because <strong>Deaf</strong> people are not literate, and need more<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional training.<br />
Low level <strong>of</strong> education and communication<br />
difficulties.<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> people are a minority and have a very limited<br />
level <strong>of</strong> education; and <strong>the</strong>re is no equal opportunity<br />
policy.<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> people are illiterate and do not get employment<br />
workshops and training; and companies do not want to<br />
hire unskilled people.<br />
Because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> low level <strong>of</strong> education <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people.<br />
It is difficult for hearing people to meet <strong>the</strong><br />
prerequisites needed to access jobs; for <strong>Deaf</strong> people it<br />
is even more difficult.<br />
Suriname <strong>No</strong> <strong>No</strong> information provided<br />
Total 0 Yes (0%)<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
We do not have an equal employment law, and<br />
Congress does not accept <strong>Deaf</strong> workers. <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
are not included in training and workshops because<br />
<strong>the</strong>y are disabled.<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 78<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
7.10.5 Does your country provide employment services to assist unemployed <strong>Deaf</strong> people to look for<br />
employment?<br />
7.10.5.1 Who is responsible for providing employment services for unemployed <strong>Deaf</strong> people in your<br />
country?<br />
Country<br />
Does your<br />
country<br />
provide<br />
employment<br />
services to<br />
assist<br />
unemployed<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> people to<br />
look for<br />
employment?<br />
Who is<br />
responsible for<br />
providing<br />
employment<br />
services for<br />
unemployed<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> people in<br />
your country?<br />
Government<br />
Employment<br />
Service<br />
National<br />
Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Deaf</strong>/<strong>Deaf</strong> Group<br />
Costa Rica Yes <br />
Cuba Yes <br />
Dominican Republic Yes<br />
El Salvador <strong>No</strong><br />
Guatemala Yes<br />
Guyana <strong>No</strong><br />
Haiti <strong>No</strong><br />
Honduras Yes <br />
Mexico Yes <br />
Nicaragua Yes <br />
Panama <strong>No</strong><br />
Suriname <strong>No</strong><br />
Total 7 Yes (58%)<br />
Based on 12 respondents<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r, please write down:<br />
Social Worker from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> School assists<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> students to find employment.<br />
Social Worker from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> School assists<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> students to find employment.<br />
A <strong>No</strong>n-Governmental Organisation<br />
provides an employment service to assist<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> people.<br />
Both co-operate to implement<br />
programmes that support <strong>the</strong> labour<br />
needs <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people.<br />
A government <strong>of</strong>fice, in <strong>the</strong> Ministry <strong>of</strong><br />
Labour, attends to <strong>the</strong>se needs as <strong>the</strong>y do<br />
for all people in <strong>the</strong> country.<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 79<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
7.11.0 General<br />
7.11.1 Which <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> following does your National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong>/<strong>Deaf</strong> Group consider to be <strong>the</strong> highest priority<br />
for your <strong>Deaf</strong> Community?<br />
Which <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> following does your National<br />
Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong>/<strong>Deaf</strong> Group consider<br />
to be <strong>the</strong> highest priority for your <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Community?<br />
Costa Rica<br />
Cuba<br />
Dominican Republic<br />
Better quality <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Education <br />
Equal Opportunity in Employment <br />
Better Sign Language Interpreting quality and<br />
services <br />
Recognition <strong>of</strong> your country’s Sign Language(s)<br />
by your country’s Government <br />
Improved quality and access to Government<br />
and Community Services <br />
O<strong>the</strong>r <br />
Costa Rica<br />
Country O<strong>the</strong>r<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 80<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).<br />
El Salvador<br />
• Attention to Human Rights for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community<br />
• Provision <strong>of</strong> information to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community<br />
• Increasing <strong>Deaf</strong> Awareness<br />
Dominican Republic Leadership Training Programme<br />
Panama Counselling Service for parents and families<br />
7.11.2 Does your Association/Group have any o<strong>the</strong>r concerns about <strong>the</strong> standard <strong>of</strong> living <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people in your<br />
country? Please list <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
Country<br />
Costa Rica<br />
Dominican Republic<br />
El Salvador<br />
Guatemala<br />
Haiti<br />
Does your Association/Group have any o<strong>the</strong>r concerns about <strong>the</strong> standard <strong>of</strong> living <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
in your country? Please list <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
1. Need more workshops about <strong>Deaf</strong> leadership<br />
2. Need to provide camps for <strong>Deaf</strong> children and youth<br />
3. <strong>Deaf</strong> Associations do not receive funding from <strong>the</strong> government or international aid organisations,<br />
for example, for co-operative development, sports activities or workshops to support <strong>the</strong> quality<br />
<strong>of</strong> life <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
We need more attention from <strong>the</strong> government for Education, Work, Health and Security, Social<br />
Security, Economic Support, Communication with <strong>the</strong> general community.<br />
1. Teachers must all have pr<strong>of</strong>essional qualifications to teach<br />
2. All sign language teachers who works must be a <strong>Deaf</strong> person, not a hearing person because <strong>the</strong>y<br />
don’t know sign language to teach sign language classes<br />
3. The government must accept A.S.S. as a legal association must know about our organisation and<br />
have contact with us<br />
4. Also we are concerned because many foundations are established and say <strong>the</strong>y help <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
but <strong>the</strong>y don’t. We feel <strong>the</strong>se foundations create divisions in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> community and exploit us<br />
for money<br />
1. Need to have <strong>the</strong> best quality education from an early age. <strong>No</strong> more communication barriers and<br />
discrimination<br />
2. Improve <strong>the</strong> quality <strong>of</strong> access to <strong>the</strong> government, and services to <strong>the</strong> community<br />
1. Better quality <strong>of</strong> education for <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
2. Equal opportunity in employment<br />
3. Better service from and quality <strong>of</strong> sign language interpreters<br />
4. Recognition <strong>of</strong> our national sign language by <strong>the</strong> government<br />
5. Improved quality <strong>of</strong> and access to government and community services<br />
6. That our organisation (C.A.P.P.A - <strong>Deaf</strong> persons - Haiti) becomes a member <strong>of</strong>:<br />
a) <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD)<br />
b) International <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> Hard <strong>of</strong> Hearing People (IFHOH)<br />
c) <strong>World</strong> Association <strong>of</strong> Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI)<br />
d) Swedish Organisations <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons International Aid Association (Shia)<br />
e) European <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> Associations <strong>of</strong> Parents <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Children (FEPEDA)<br />
f) Handicapped International (HI)<br />
g) All o<strong>the</strong>r organisations for <strong>Deaf</strong> persons in <strong>the</strong> world<br />
Guatemala<br />
Guyana<br />
Haiti<br />
Honduras<br />
Mexico<br />
Nicaragua<br />
Panama<br />
Suriname
Honduras<br />
Mexico<br />
Panama<br />
7. That our organisation (C.A.P.P.A - <strong>Deaf</strong> persons - Haiti) receives from all clubs, associations,<br />
groups, NGOs, WFD and o<strong>the</strong>r organisations for <strong>Deaf</strong> people around <strong>the</strong> world:<br />
a) Training in <strong>the</strong> assumption <strong>of</strong> responsibility for <strong>Deaf</strong> people and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> community<br />
b) Materials, documents, books and DVDs about sign language<br />
c) Subsidies and financial support for activities for <strong>Deaf</strong> people, and for <strong>the</strong> operation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Centre <strong>of</strong> Assistance for People with Hearing Problems<br />
8. Partnerships with international organisations <strong>of</strong>/for <strong>Deaf</strong> persons around <strong>the</strong> world with <strong>the</strong> goal<br />
<strong>of</strong> training and improvement in sign language for our trainers and interpreters<br />
9. Creation <strong>of</strong> a law for access to higher education for <strong>Deaf</strong> people including:<br />
a) Exemption from payment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> registration fee for <strong>the</strong> first time (single)<br />
b) Reservation <strong>of</strong> 8% <strong>of</strong> places for handicapped people at University including 2% for <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
10. That young <strong>Deaf</strong> students receive support at University through an interpreter in International<br />
Sign:<br />
a) Effective legislation to support this<br />
b) Personalised and specialised quality services<br />
c) Materials and techniques<br />
d) Teacher training<br />
e) Follow-up and evaluation<br />
11. Whe<strong>the</strong>r financed by <strong>the</strong> Haitian State or by local government agencies, each district (41) should<br />
have at least one school and at least one centre for <strong>the</strong> elimination <strong>of</strong> illiteracy for <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
in all 10 departments <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country<br />
12. Official languages <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Republic <strong>of</strong> Haiti should be Creole, French and sign language<br />
(trilinguism):<br />
a) Sign language should be learned at school as a 2nd or 3rd language<br />
b) Teachers are not obliged to have perfect knowledge <strong>of</strong> sign language but should be able to<br />
apply it in ordinary teaching<br />
13. Intelligence services and direct contact with each individual, <strong>Deaf</strong> or not:<br />
a) Technical equipment and didactic material, such as a printing voice syn<strong>the</strong>sizer for <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
persons<br />
b) To give access to an Internet website especially designed for <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
14. To have material for <strong>the</strong> creation <strong>of</strong> a centre for visual and audio documentation about:<br />
a) <strong>Deaf</strong>ness<br />
b) The world <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community<br />
1. Better Quality <strong>of</strong> Life<br />
2. Respect for Human Rights <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> People<br />
3. Salary equal to that <strong>of</strong> hearing workers<br />
It is a grave concern that <strong>Deaf</strong> people are not able to attend University because <strong>the</strong>y do not provide<br />
an interpreting service. The level <strong>of</strong> education is very poor and several <strong>Deaf</strong> people have found it very<br />
difficult to obtain a good job.<br />
<strong>No</strong> division in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> community - one <strong>Deaf</strong> Association. A new building and better quality <strong>of</strong><br />
education.<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 81<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
8.0 Appendices Appendix <strong>No</strong> 1<br />
Global Education Pre‐Planning Project on <strong>the</strong><br />
Human Rights <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> People<br />
Email: <strong>Deaf</strong>HumanRights@yahoo.com.au<br />
14 December 2007<br />
President and Secretary <strong>of</strong> all WFD member organisations in Regional Secretariat for Mexico, Central America and Caribbean<br />
(WFD MCAC)<br />
Dear President and Secretary,<br />
I wish to introduce <strong>the</strong> new project “Global Education Pre-Planning Project on <strong>the</strong> Human Rights <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> People”<br />
implemented by <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD) in co-operation with <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
(SDR). This project is preparation for a Global project “<strong>Deaf</strong> Global Human Rights Training Project” to commence hopefully<br />
in 2009. An application will be submitted in 2008 to Swedish funding bodies.<br />
The purpose <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> pre-planning project is to conduct a global survey to collect information on <strong>the</strong> standard <strong>of</strong> life for <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
people in each <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> seven WFD Regional Secretariats. The survey will collect <strong>the</strong> following information:<br />
1. Contact Details,<br />
2. Status <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> National <strong>Deaf</strong> Association,<br />
3. Population <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people,<br />
4. Legislations and Policies,<br />
5. Access to Government Services,<br />
6. Access to <strong>the</strong> Media,<br />
7. Status <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Country Sign Language,<br />
8. Access to Education,<br />
9. Status <strong>of</strong> Sign Language Interpreting Services,<br />
10. Employment and<br />
11. General.<br />
Your Association is a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> WFD - Regional Secretariat for Mexico, Central America and <strong>the</strong> Caribbean (WFD MCAC)<br />
and WFD MCAC is <strong>the</strong> fourth region to be surveyed in this project.<br />
It will be appreciated if you take time to complete this survey as soon as possible to enable us to prepare <strong>the</strong> draft Fact-<br />
Finding Report. The Project will establish a temporary Regional Working Group consisting <strong>of</strong> two or three members from <strong>the</strong><br />
ordinary members <strong>of</strong> WFD MCAC and <strong>the</strong> Regional Working Group, which will meet in March/April 2008 to discuss <strong>the</strong> draft<br />
Fact-Finding Report. The Regional Working Group is responsible for confirming <strong>the</strong> recommendations from <strong>the</strong> Fact-Finding<br />
Report to be used in <strong>the</strong> application for <strong>the</strong> “<strong>Deaf</strong> Global Human Rights Training Project”.<br />
The project has appointed a Regional Co-ordinator Mr Allan Fernández from San Jose, Costa Rica and his responsibility is to<br />
establish a contact point with all members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> WFD MCAC for this project. If you have any questions about <strong>the</strong> survey,<br />
please do not hesitate to contact Mr Allan Fernández by email at allanfern@yahoo.com<br />
Please find a survey form attached as well as a DVD version in International Sign, based on <strong>the</strong> survey questions. Please be<br />
aware that it is essential to answer all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> survey questions correctly to provide a true reflection <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> actual standard <strong>of</strong><br />
living <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people in your country.<br />
Please return your survey questions to:<br />
Mr. Allan Fernández<br />
P.O. Box 680-2010<br />
San Jose<br />
Costa Rica<br />
Email: allanfern@yahoo.com<br />
It will be appreciated if Mr Allan Fernández can receive your survey by no later than Friday, 8th February, 2008.<br />
Thank you for contributing towards <strong>the</strong> first step in this important international project.<br />
Yours sincerely,<br />
Colin Allen<br />
Project Co-ordinator<br />
The <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> and <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Email: <strong>Deaf</strong>HumanRights@yahoo.com<br />
The Project was under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD), <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 82<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
Appendix <strong>No</strong> 2<br />
<strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Global Education Pre‐Planning Project<br />
on <strong>the</strong> Human Rights <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> People<br />
Email: <strong>Deaf</strong>HumanRights@yahoo.com.au<br />
A GLOBAL<br />
SURVEY<br />
Global Education<br />
Pre-planning Project<br />
on <strong>the</strong> Human Rights<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> People<br />
WFD – MCAC December 2007<br />
The Project is under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD) <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 83<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
1.0 Contact Details<br />
1.1 Country: _____________________________________________________________________________<br />
1.2 Name <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong>: __________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
1.3 Street Address:<br />
Street Address: _____________________________________________________________________________<br />
Street Address: _____________________________________________________________________________<br />
City: ____________________________________________________________________________________<br />
Post code / Zip Code: ______________________________________________________________________<br />
Country: _____________________________________________________________________________<br />
1.4 Postal Address:<br />
Postal Number: _____________________________________________________________________________<br />
City: ____________________________________________________________________________________<br />
Post code / Zip Code: ______________________________________________________________________<br />
Country: _____________________________________________________________________________<br />
Website Address: ______________________________________________________________________<br />
Email Address: _____________________________________________________________________________<br />
1.5 Telephone Numbers:<br />
Landline Number: _________________________________________________________<br />
Mobile Number: _________________________________________________________<br />
Facsimile Number: _________________________________________________________<br />
Project Data Use Only<br />
Country Reference <strong>No</strong>: ..............................................................................<br />
Received Date: ......................................................................................<br />
Data Entered: ........................................................................................<br />
Country Classifications:<br />
□ Low Income □ Lower Middle Income<br />
□ Upper Middle Income □ High Income<br />
The Project is under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD) <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 84<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
2.0 National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
2.1 Please provide <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial name <strong>of</strong> your National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> in both English and in your<br />
language:<br />
2.1.1 English: ____________________________________________________________________________________<br />
2.1.2 In your national language: ____________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
2.2 Please provide <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> members your National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> has in your country?<br />
2.2.1 <strong>Deaf</strong> Members: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> number in this box<br />
2.2.1.1 <strong>Deaf</strong> Women: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> number in this box<br />
2.2.1.2 <strong>Deaf</strong> Men: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> number in this box<br />
2.2.2 Hard <strong>of</strong> Hearing Members: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> number in this box<br />
2.2.2.1 Hard <strong>of</strong> Hearing Women: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> number in this box<br />
2.2.2.2 Hard <strong>of</strong> Hearing Men: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> number in this box<br />
2.2.3 Hearing Members: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> number in this box<br />
2.3 In what year was your National Association established?<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
2.4 Does your <strong>Deaf</strong> Association have Statutes/a Constitution?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 2.5<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 2.5<br />
2.5 Does your government recognise your national organisation to represent <strong>Deaf</strong> people in your country?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 2.6<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 2.6<br />
The Project is under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD) <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 85<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
2.6 Please list some <strong>the</strong> areas in which your association has adopted a policy statement?<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
__________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
2.7 Please list <strong>the</strong> six highest priority issues/actions in your strategic action plan<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
2.8 Please describe structure <strong>of</strong> your National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (e.g. congress/annual meeting/<br />
board/ executive/districts/local associations etc)?<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
The Project is under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD) <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 86<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
2.8.1 How many affiliated regional and/or local <strong>Deaf</strong> Associations is part <strong>of</strong> your National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Deaf</strong>?<br />
2.8.1.1 Number <strong>of</strong> Regional associations: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> number in this box<br />
2.8.1.2 Number <strong>of</strong> Local associations: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> number in this box<br />
2.9 How many members <strong>of</strong> your members are <strong>Deaf</strong>?<br />
[___________________] <strong>of</strong> [___________________]<br />
(<strong>Deaf</strong> Board Members) (Total <strong>of</strong> Board Members)<br />
2.10 How many members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> board are <strong>Deaf</strong> women and how many are <strong>Deaf</strong> men?<br />
2.10.1 <strong>Deaf</strong> women: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> number in this box<br />
2.10.2 <strong>Deaf</strong> men: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> number in this box<br />
2.11 Does your National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> have committees for specific area <strong>of</strong> interest or affiliation<br />
with any o<strong>the</strong>r relevant independent groups in your country?<br />
□ Sign Language Interpreters □ Sign Language Researchers □ <strong>Deaf</strong> Education<br />
□ Parents <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Children □ <strong>Deaf</strong> Seniors □ <strong>Deaf</strong>blind<br />
□ <strong>Deaf</strong> Youth □ Cultural groups <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people □ Sports groups<br />
□ <strong>Deaf</strong> people with o<strong>the</strong>r disabilities □ Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Bisexual<br />
□ <strong>Deaf</strong> Women’s Groups □ Children <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Adults<br />
□ O<strong>the</strong>r, please write down:<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
2.12 Does your National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> have any paid staff members?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 2.12.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 2.13<br />
The Project is under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD) <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 87<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
2.12.1 How many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> paid staff members are women and who many are men?<br />
2.12.1.1 Women: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> number in this box<br />
2.12.1.2 Men: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> number in this box<br />
2.12.2 How many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> paid staff members are <strong>Deaf</strong>?<br />
2.11.2.1 <strong>Deaf</strong> Women: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> number in this box<br />
2.11.2.2 <strong>Deaf</strong> Men: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> number in this box<br />
2.13 Is your Chief Executive Officer / Executive Director / Person-in-charge <strong>Deaf</strong>?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 3.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 3.1<br />
3.0 Population <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
3.1 Does your country’s government have any <strong>of</strong>ficial records on <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people in your<br />
country?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 3.1.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 3.2<br />
3.1.1 If yes, please provide <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people in your country?<br />
3.1.1.1 Total: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> number in this box<br />
3.1.1.2 <strong>Deaf</strong> Women: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> number in this box<br />
3.1.1.3 <strong>Deaf</strong> Men: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> number in this box<br />
3.2 Does your Association have any <strong>of</strong>ficial or approximate figures on <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people living in<br />
your country?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 3.2.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 3.3<br />
3.2.1 If yes, please provide <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people in your country<br />
3.2.1.1 Total: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> number in this box<br />
3.2.1.2 <strong>Deaf</strong> Women: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> number in this box<br />
3.2.1.3 <strong>Deaf</strong> Men: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> number in this box<br />
The Project is under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD) <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 88<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
3.3 Does your Association have any <strong>of</strong>ficial or approximate figures on <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people who use sign<br />
language as <strong>the</strong>ir primary language?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 3.3.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 3.4<br />
3.3.1 If yes, please provide <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people who use sign language in your country<br />
3.3.1.1 Total: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> number in this box<br />
3.3.1.2 <strong>Deaf</strong> Women: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> number in this box<br />
3.3.1.3 <strong>Deaf</strong> Men: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> number in this box<br />
3.4. Does <strong>the</strong> situation <strong>of</strong> HIV/AIDS in your country affect <strong>Deaf</strong> women, men and children?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 3.4.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 4.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong> information available, please go to Question 4.1<br />
3.4.1 If yes, please describe <strong>the</strong> situation with HIV/AIDS in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> community in your country including<br />
any <strong>of</strong>ficial statistics on <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people living with HIV/AIDS.<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
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___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
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___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
__________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
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___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
The Project is under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD) <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 89<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
4.0 Legislations and Policies<br />
4.1 Does your country’s government recognise <strong>Deaf</strong> people as citizens on an equal basis as o<strong>the</strong>r citizens<br />
in your country?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 4.2<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 4.2<br />
4.2 Does your country’s government have an <strong>of</strong>fice responsible for services for People with Disabilities?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 4.2.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 4.3<br />
4.2.1 If yes, what is <strong>the</strong> name, address, and website address <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> government <strong>of</strong>fice that is responsible<br />
for services for People with Disabilities in your country?<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
4.3 Does your country’s Government have any legislation or policies for <strong>Deaf</strong> people (or People with<br />
Disabilities in general)?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 4.3.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 4.4<br />
4.3.1 If yes, please list some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> policies or legislation that relates to <strong>Deaf</strong> people (or People with<br />
Disabilities), (please write <strong>the</strong> name <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> legislations or policies in full detail):<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
4.4 Does your country’s Government have any anti-discrimination laws for <strong>Deaf</strong> people (or People with<br />
Disabilities)?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 4.5<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 4.5<br />
4.5 Does your country’s government provide any services specifically for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community through its<br />
government departments?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 4.5.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 4.5.3<br />
The Project is under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD) <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 90<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
4.5.1 If yes, what types <strong>of</strong> service are provided specifically for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community by your country’s<br />
government?<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
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___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
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4.5.2 What is <strong>the</strong> general opinion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> current service(s) specifically provided for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community by<br />
your country’s government?<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
__________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
Please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 4.6<br />
4.5.3 If no, why does your country’s government not provide any service specifically for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
Community?<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
The Project is under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD) <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 91<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
4.6 Does your Association have any contacts with your current country’s government?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 4.6.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 4.7<br />
4.6.1 What type <strong>of</strong> contact does your Association have with your country’s current government?<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
4.7 Does your Association receive any financial support from your country’s current government?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 4.7.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 4.8<br />
4.7.1 What is <strong>the</strong> amount <strong>of</strong> annual financial support from your country’s government?<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
4.7.2 What is <strong>the</strong> purpose <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> financial support from your country’s government to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Community?<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
4.8 Do <strong>Deaf</strong> people have a right to vote in national, regional and local elections?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 4.9<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 4.8.1<br />
4.8.1 If <strong>Deaf</strong> people do not have <strong>the</strong> right to vote, please list <strong>the</strong> government legislation or policies that<br />
specifically exclude <strong>Deaf</strong> people from having <strong>the</strong> right to vote:<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
4.9 Are <strong>Deaf</strong> people allowed to obtain a driver’s licence?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 4.10<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 4.9.1<br />
The Project is under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD) <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 92<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
4.9.1 If <strong>Deaf</strong> people are not allowed to drive, please list <strong>the</strong> Government legislation or policies that stop<br />
<strong>the</strong>m from being allowed to drive:<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
4.10 Are <strong>Deaf</strong> people allowed to marry <strong>Deaf</strong> or o<strong>the</strong>r partners?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 4.11<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 4.10.1<br />
4.10.1 If <strong>Deaf</strong> people are not allowed to get married, please list any specific Government legislation or<br />
policy that specifically stops <strong>Deaf</strong> people from being allowed to marry (or to be allowed to marry<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r deaf person):<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
4.11 Are <strong>Deaf</strong> people allowed to have children?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 4.12<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 4.11.1<br />
4.11.1 If <strong>Deaf</strong> people are not allowed to have children, please list any specific Government legislation or<br />
policy that stops <strong>Deaf</strong> people from being allowed to have children.<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
4.12 Are <strong>Deaf</strong> people allowed to adopt children?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 5.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 4.12.1<br />
4.12.1 If <strong>Deaf</strong> people are not allowed to adopt children, please list any specific Government legislation or<br />
policy that stops <strong>Deaf</strong> people from being allowed to adopt children.<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
The Project is under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD) <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 93<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
5.0 Access to Government Services<br />
5.1 Do <strong>Deaf</strong> people have access to government services such as education, health care, employment,<br />
social welfare and any general government services?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 5.1.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 5.2<br />
5.1.1 If yes, how do <strong>Deaf</strong> people access <strong>the</strong>se government services?<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
5.1.2 Are <strong>Deaf</strong> people satisfied with <strong>the</strong> level <strong>of</strong> access <strong>the</strong>y have to <strong>the</strong> government services?<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
5.2 Are <strong>Deaf</strong> people entitled to any financial assistance from your country’s government?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 5.2.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 6.1<br />
5.2.1 What type <strong>of</strong> financial assistance are <strong>Deaf</strong> people entitled to receive from your country’s<br />
government?<br />
□ Disability allowance □ General Pension □ Disability-specific Pension<br />
□ O<strong>the</strong>r, please write down:<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
The Project is under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD) <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 94<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
6.0 Access to <strong>the</strong> Media<br />
6.1 Does your country’s government provide sign language services for news and/or current affairs<br />
programmes on public television?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 6.1.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 6.2<br />
6.1.1 Please provide detailed information on how many hours or days per week <strong>Deaf</strong> people receive sign<br />
language services for news and/or current affairs programmes on public television.<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
6.2 Does your country’s government provide subtitles / captions for news and/or current affairs<br />
programmes?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 6.2.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 6.3<br />
6.2.1 Please provide detailed information on how many hours / days per week are news / current affairs<br />
programmes (subtitled / captioned) <strong>of</strong>fered for <strong>Deaf</strong> people?<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
6.3 Does your country’s government <strong>of</strong>fer governmental documents in your country’s sign language?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 7.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 7.1<br />
The Project is under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD) <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 95<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
7.0 Status <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Country Sign Language<br />
7.1 Does your country’s government formally recognise your country’s sign language(s)?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 7.1.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 7.1.3<br />
7.1.1 What legislation/regulation formally recognises your country’s sign language?<br />
□ Constitution □ Legislation □ Policy □ Guideline<br />
□ O<strong>the</strong>r, please write down:<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
__________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
7.1.2 When did your country’s government formally recognise your country’s sign language?<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
Please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 7.2<br />
7.1.3 Does your <strong>Deaf</strong> Association lobby your government for <strong>the</strong> recognition <strong>of</strong> your country’s sign<br />
language(s)?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 7.2<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 7.1.4<br />
7.1.4 If no, please explain <strong>the</strong> reason your Association does not lobby your current government for <strong>the</strong><br />
recognition <strong>of</strong> your country’s Sign Language.<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
7.2 Does your country have a sign language dictionary?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 8.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 8.1<br />
The Project is under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD) <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 96<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
8.0 Access to Education<br />
8.1 Does your country’s government recognise that <strong>Deaf</strong> children and <strong>Deaf</strong> students have <strong>the</strong> right to<br />
receive an education?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 8.2<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 8.2<br />
8.2 Does your country’s government have any legislation or policies on <strong>Deaf</strong> Education?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 8.2.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 8.2.2<br />
8.2.1 If yes, please list <strong>the</strong> specific name <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> legislation or policies relating to <strong>Deaf</strong> Education:<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
Please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 8.3<br />
8.2.2 If no, are all <strong>Deaf</strong> children and <strong>Deaf</strong> students entitled to receive any education in your country?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 8.3<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 8.3<br />
8.3 Does your country’s government provide any <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> following educational settings for <strong>Deaf</strong> children<br />
and <strong>Deaf</strong> students?<br />
Early intervention (Up to 5 years old) □ Yes □ <strong>No</strong><br />
Kindergarten (Between 3/4 years old to 5/6 years old) □ Yes □ <strong>No</strong><br />
Primary (From 5/6 years to 12/13 years old) □ Yes □ <strong>No</strong><br />
Secondary (From 12/13 years to 17/18 years old) □ Yes □ <strong>No</strong><br />
University (After 18 years old) □ Yes □ <strong>No</strong><br />
Vocational Education / Training □ Yes □ <strong>No</strong><br />
8.4 Does your country’s government provide bilingual education using your country’s sign language for<br />
<strong>Deaf</strong> children and <strong>Deaf</strong> students in your country?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 8.4.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 8.5<br />
The Project is under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD) <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 97<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
8.4.1 If yes, in which educational setting is bilingual education <strong>of</strong>fered in your country using your sign<br />
language?<br />
Early intervention (Up to 5 years old) □ Yes □ <strong>No</strong><br />
Kindergarten (Between 3/4 years old to 5/6 years old) □ Yes □ <strong>No</strong><br />
Primary (From 5/6 years to 12/13 years old) □ Yes □ <strong>No</strong><br />
Secondary (From 12/13 years to 17/18 years old) □ Yes □ <strong>No</strong><br />
University (After 18 years old) □ Yes □ <strong>No</strong><br />
Vocational Education / Training □ Yes □ <strong>No</strong><br />
8.5 Does your country have any schools specifically for <strong>Deaf</strong> children and <strong>Deaf</strong> students?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 8.5.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 8.5.3<br />
8.5.1 If yes, how many <strong>Deaf</strong> schools does your country have?<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
8.5.2 What is <strong>the</strong> educational approach for communicating with <strong>Deaf</strong> children and students at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
School in your country?<br />
□ Bilingual Education □ Oral Method □ Cued Speech<br />
□ Oral and Sign Language (Total Communication) □ Auditory Verbal<br />
□ O<strong>the</strong>r, please write down:<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
Please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 8.6<br />
8.5.3 If no, where do <strong>Deaf</strong> children and students receive an education in your country?<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
The Project is under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD) <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 98<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
8.6 What is <strong>the</strong> general opinion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> level <strong>of</strong> education received by <strong>Deaf</strong> children and <strong>Deaf</strong> students in<br />
your country?<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
8.7 What is <strong>the</strong> general opinion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> current literacy level <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> children and <strong>Deaf</strong> students in your<br />
country?<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
8.8 Do <strong>Deaf</strong> people have access to a University education in your country?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 8.8.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 8.8.2<br />
8.8.1 If yes, how many Universities provide access to studies for <strong>Deaf</strong> people in your country?<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
Please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 8.9<br />
8.8.2 If no, why do <strong>Deaf</strong> people not have access to a university education in your country?<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
Please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 9.1<br />
The Project is under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD) <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 99<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
8.9 Do <strong>Deaf</strong> people have full access to sign language interpreting services at University?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 9.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 9.1<br />
9.0 Status <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sign Language Interpreting Service<br />
9.1 Does your country have any sign language interpreters?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 9.1.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 9.1.6<br />
9.1.1 How many sign language interpreters does your country have?<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
9.1.2 Are <strong>the</strong>re any sign language interpreting qualifications available in your country?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 9.1.3<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 9.2<br />
9.1.3 Who provides <strong>the</strong> training for people who want to become qualified sign language interpreters?<br />
□ University □ Community College □ National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
□ O<strong>the</strong>r, please write down:<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
9.1.4 How many years <strong>of</strong> training are available to someone who wants to become a sign language<br />
interpreter?<br />
□ Four Years □ Three Years □ Two Years □ Less than One Year<br />
□ O<strong>the</strong>r, please write down:<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
The Project is under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD) <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 100<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
9.1.5 How many sign language interpreters in your country have formal interpreting qualifications?<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
9.1.6 How do <strong>Deaf</strong> people access sign language interpreters?<br />
__________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
9.2 Does your country have sign language interpreting services?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 9.2.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 9.3<br />
9.2.1 If yes, who provides <strong>the</strong>se sign language interpreting services?<br />
□ Government □ National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> □ Private Sector<br />
□ O<strong>the</strong>r, please write down:<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
9.2.2 What areas <strong>of</strong> life are sign language interpreting services available in your country?<br />
□ Social Services □ Health/Medical Services □ Employment Services<br />
□ Court Services □ Educational Services □ Counselling Services<br />
□ Financial Institutions □ Funerals / Weddings □ Entertainments<br />
□ O<strong>the</strong>r, please write down:<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
The Project is under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD) <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 101<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
9.2.3 What is <strong>the</strong> general opinion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se sign language interpreting services?<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
9.3 Do sign language interpreters receive payment for interpreting services in your country?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 9.3.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 9.3.3<br />
9.3.1 Who is responsible for paying for a sign language interpreter?<br />
□ Government □ National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> □ <strong>Deaf</strong> people<br />
□ O<strong>the</strong>r, please write down:<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
9.3.2 What <strong>the</strong> average hourly rate <strong>of</strong> payment for Sign Language Interpreters in your country?<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
Please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 9.4<br />
9.3.3 Do your sign language interpreters provide voluntary service for all sign language interpreting<br />
assignments?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 9.4<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 9.4<br />
□ Sometimes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 9.4<br />
9.4 Does your country have a National Association <strong>of</strong> Sign Language Interpreters?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 9.4.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 9.5<br />
The Project is under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD) <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 102<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
9.4.1 Is your National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sign Language Interpreters independent from your National<br />
Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong>?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 9.5<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 9.5<br />
9.5 Is <strong>the</strong>re a national Code <strong>of</strong> Ethics for sign language interpreters in your country?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 9.6<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 9.6<br />
9.6 Is <strong>the</strong>re any legislation or policy in your country which states that <strong>the</strong> government has a<br />
responsibility for <strong>the</strong> provision <strong>of</strong> sign language interpreting services?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 9.6.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 10.1<br />
9.6.1 If yes, please list <strong>the</strong> legislation or policies that specifically state <strong>the</strong> Government has a responsibility<br />
for <strong>the</strong> provision <strong>of</strong> sign language interpreting services.<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
10.0 Employment<br />
10.1 Does your country government consider <strong>Deaf</strong> people to have a right to be employed and earn a<br />
standard salary?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 10.2<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 10.2<br />
10.2 Does your country’s government have any anti-discrimination laws in <strong>the</strong> area <strong>of</strong> employment,<br />
especially for <strong>Deaf</strong> people or People with Disabilities?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 10.2.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 10.3<br />
The Project is under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD) <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 103<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
10.2.1 If yes, please write clearly <strong>the</strong> name <strong>of</strong> any legislation or policies that relate to anti-discrimination in<br />
employment:<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
10.3 Does your Association have any <strong>of</strong>ficial or approximate figures on <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people who are<br />
in paid employment in your country?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 10.3.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 10.4<br />
10.3.1 If yes, how many <strong>Deaf</strong> people are in employment?<br />
10.3.1.1 Total: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> number in this box<br />
10.3.1.2 <strong>Deaf</strong> Women: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> number in this box<br />
10.3.1.3 <strong>Deaf</strong> Men: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> number in this box<br />
10.3.2 What are <strong>the</strong> most common areas <strong>of</strong> work for <strong>Deaf</strong> people in your country?<br />
□ Office Administration □ Management □ Education □ Theatre /Arts<br />
□ Research Projects □ Sign Language □ Social Services □ Farm work<br />
□ Financial Industry □ Engineering □ Welding □ Carpentry<br />
□ Jeweller □ Tailoring □ Building □ Painter<br />
□ Cleaning □ Car Mechanic □ Panel Beater □ Shoe Repairing<br />
□ Bakery □ Hairdresser □ Printer □ Catering<br />
□ O<strong>the</strong>r, please write down:<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
The Project is under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD) <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 104<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
10.4 Does your country any figures on <strong>the</strong> percentage <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people who are unemployed?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 10.4.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 10.5<br />
10.4.1 If yes, what percentage <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people are unemployed in your country? If possible, give percentage<br />
<strong>of</strong> unemployed <strong>Deaf</strong> women and <strong>Deaf</strong> men.<br />
10.4.1.1 Total: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> percentage in this box<br />
10.4.1.2 <strong>Deaf</strong> Women: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> percentage in this box<br />
10.4.1.3 <strong>Deaf</strong> Men: - [___________________] please write <strong>the</strong> percentage in this box<br />
10.4.2 Why are <strong>Deaf</strong> people unemployed in your country?<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
10.5 Does your country provide employment service to assist unemployed <strong>Deaf</strong> people to look for<br />
employment?<br />
□ Yes, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 10.5.1<br />
□ <strong>No</strong>, please go to Question <strong>No</strong> 11.1<br />
10.5.1 Who is responsible for providing employment service for unemployed <strong>Deaf</strong> people in your country?<br />
□ Government Employment Service □ National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong><br />
□ O<strong>the</strong>r, please write down:<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
The Project is under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD) <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 105<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).
11.0 General<br />
11.1 Which <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> following does your National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> consider to be <strong>the</strong> highest priority<br />
for your <strong>Deaf</strong> Community?<br />
□ Better quality <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> Education<br />
□ Equal Opportunity in Employment<br />
□ Better Sign Language Interpreting quality and services<br />
□ Recognition <strong>of</strong> your country’s Sign Language by your country’s Government<br />
□ Improved quality and access to Government and Community Services<br />
□ O<strong>the</strong>r, please write down:<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
11.2 Does your Association have any o<strong>the</strong>r concerns about <strong>the</strong> standard <strong>of</strong> living <strong>of</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> people in your<br />
country? Please list those:<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
Thank you for taking <strong>the</strong> time<br />
to complete this Survey<br />
The Project is under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Swedish National Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (SDR) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Federation</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Deaf</strong> (WFD) <strong>Page</strong> <strong>No</strong> 106<br />
and funded by <strong>the</strong> Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (Sida) and Swedish Organisations’ <strong>of</strong> Disabled Persons<br />
International Aid Association (Shia).