Segun Showunmi in Ibadan
The Educational Sign Language Interpreters Association of Nigeria (ESLIAN) has decried government negligence on deaf education, particularly sign language interpreting, saying that it is high time for the government to give adequate attention to special education in the country.
Penpushing reports that National President of the association, Omobosola Oladipupo said there is need for government to have specific policies in meeting the demand of sign language interpreters by giving special attention to them and creation of a curriculum that will recognize sign language as a full course of study in higher institution of learning across the nation.
The President of while speaking with journalists during the Biennial International Sign Language Interpreters Conference held at Federal College of Education (special) Oyo, noted that special education is key in building the nation educational system, saying that government should be more responsive in meeting the needs of the disability.
“As a deaf interpreters, we do not have a major course that trained people to be a professional sign language interpreters, we only acquired our interpreting skills from deaf education, our members are facing some challenges such as lack of fund, welfarism, disparity, and job placement among others.”
The association boss, however commended Oyo State Government for recently employing over 150 physically challenged people, adding that government still need to do more in ensuring that physically challenged people get adequate attention.
Penpushing also reports that a lecturer at the Department of Special Education, University of Ibadan, Prof. Julius Ademokoya pointed out that sign language interpreting takes a crucial role in the development of Nigerian education system.
The lecturer noted that deaf has been relegated over the years in the nation, adding that intervention of sign language interpreters has giving them access to sound education and employment which is a means of livelihood.
Penpushing reports that, he however commended the body for raising the hope of the deaf, calling on the government to include sign language interpreting as a course in all tertiary institutions across the nation.
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