Lack of adequate resources affecting deaf education — PWDS

Persons with Disabilities have lamented that deaf education has been plagued by systemic challenges thereby hindering their development within the educational landscape.

The PWDs noted that the lack of adequate resources, qualified educators, and accessibility to inclusive learning environments has impeded the holistic development of deaf learners.

The National Vice President, Nigeria National Association of the Deaf, Haruna Tsafe, and the Chief Executive Officer, The All-Rights Foundation Africa, Jake Epelle, made this known at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday.

Epelle said, “Deaf education in Nigeria has long grappled with systemic challenges, hindering the full integration and development of deaf individuals within the educational landscape.

“The lack of adequate resources, qualified educators, and accessibility to inclusive learning environments has impeded the holistic development of deaf learners.”

Also speaking, Tsafe said despite tremendous advancements, challenges with deaf education in Nigeria still exist.

“Many deaf students struggle to study and rug to the classroom home they do not have access to skills with are flate in Nigerian Sign Language.

“Furthermore, deaf learners are further marginalised by the lack of educational resources available in Nigerian Sign Language, and societal misconceptions about deafness contribute to the existing hurriers.

“NNAD recognises the urgency of addressing these Issues to create an inclusive educational environment that empowers deaf learners to reach their full potential,” Tsafe said.

To address the challenges, the community would hold a two-day day summit with the theme ‘Empowering Deaf Learners: Advancing Quality Education through Nigerian Sign Language’ scheduled for March 14-15 2024 in Abuja.

The upcoming summit would serve as a vital platform for stakeholders, including educators, policymakers, advocates, and the wider community, to come together and delve into the core issues surrounding deaf education.