The “Voices of the Deaf” interview that aired recently on Citizen TV offered a profound exploration of the lives and experiences of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HoH) communities in Kenya. The program, broadcast as part of Deaf Awareness Month in September, highlighted personal stories from various individuals in these communities, providing a platform for them to express the unique challenges and triumphs they face in a predominantly hearing world.
Participants discussed their early experiences of realizing they were deaf, their educational journeys, and the social challenges they navigate daily, including misconceptions and stigma from the hearing world. A critical theme was the need for better integration and accessibility in society, with calls for improved sign language education, closed captioning, and more inclusive public services. The conversation also touched on how many in the Deaf community express their “voices” through sign language, urging hearing individuals to recognize this form of communication as equally valid and powerful.
Another key point in the discussion was the importance of allyship. Participants encouraged the hearing population to become more informed about Deaf culture, actively engage with Deaf individuals, and avoid paternalistic attitudes, emphasizing that Deaf people are not defined by their hearing loss but by their rich cultural identity.
The interview also served as a call to action, encouraging policymakers and society at large to promote inclusivity by making public spaces and education systems more accessible to the Deaf and HoH communities(AG Bell Association)
For a detailed look into the conversation, you can view the full interview here: Voices of the Deaf Interview.