Karachi: The International Day of Sign Languages is held globally on the 23rd of September every year. This day offers a chance to support and preserve the cultural diversity and linguistic uniqueness of all sign language users, including the hearing impaired. The idea for celebrating this day was proposed by The World Federation of the Deaf, which is an association of 135 hard of hearing groups representing over 70 million such individuals.
According to the World Federation of the Deaf, over 70 million individuals worldwide have impaired hearing, Over 80% of them reside in underdeveloped nations and more than 300 different variations of sign languages are used throughout the world. The deaf community in Pakistan is estimated to consist of more than 10 million people. With such a huge number, Pakistan still falls behind in providing access to these people. This leads to marginalization, oppression, and a lack of opportunities for this community. Therefore there is a need to acknowledge their place in society.
FJDC has always stood up for the marginalized communities, and this day is no different. We at FJDC endorse this community and believe that sign language, just like any other, should be known to everyone.
Dr Hussain Askary, CEO & Head, Community Dentistry FJDC, visited the Pakistan Association of the Deaf and spent the day with its students. He also offered his support to them by planning to conduct a seminar at our campus, titled “Health for All”. This event shall emphasise on the well-being for everyone, especially the hearing impaired. We aim to highlight the importance of knowing the basics of sign language, so that our students may be able to communicate with this body.
Dr Hussain Askary has also informed that he has started to develop Sign Language specific to Dentistry. This will include oral health awareness terms. This project will impact the health and well-being of over 10 Million hearing impaired communities in Pakistan.
