International Week of the Deaf 2024: Breaking Barriers

As we get ready to celebrate the International Week of the Deaf, we would like to introduce you to Zainab Rahmani. This little wonder is a powerful example of how early intervention and support can help children with hearing loss unlock their full potential.

Zainab was born into a middle-class family in the small town of Dharampur in Uttarakhand. Her father, Imran Rahmani, is a tailor, while her mother, Fatima Begum, takes care of the household. When Zainab was just eight days old, she fell seriously ill with chickenpox, a high fever, and diarrhoea. 

Her parents were focused on her recovery, unaware that she was also experiencing hearing loss. It wasn’t until she was two and a half years old and still not speaking like other children of her age that they realised something was amiss.

After consulting an ENT specialist, Zainab’s parents were referred to the National Institute of Hearing Handicapped (NIHH) Ban Hooghly for a BERA test. The test confirmed that she had moderate to severe hearing loss. The doctors recommended hearing aids and speech therapy, but the distance from their town to the clinic made it challenging for her parents to provide consistent support. 

Luckily, Amina Khatoon, a community mobiliser for a local NGO, met Zainab’s mother and introduced her to the organisation. This NGO provides vital speech and hearing services to children with hearing loss. For over a year now, Zainab has been attending the NGO’s Learning Center, where she has made remarkable progress. Her communication skills, pre-reading, pre-writing, pre-math, social behaviour, and motor skills have all improved significantly. 

The aim behind celebrating International Deaf Awareness Week is to remind us of the transformative power of early intervention and support for children with hearing loss. Zainab’s story highlights the importance of accessible resources and community support, which are essential themes during this week dedicated to advocating for the rights and inclusion of the deaf community. 

Read on as we discuss the awareness week, deaf education, their rights, and the importance of sign language.

International Week of the Deaf: Why is it Celebrated?

The International Week of the Deaf is annually observed to raise awareness of the challenges faced by deaf people and educate the overall population about the importance of growing empathy, learning sign language and offering support in any form possible. The International Week of the Deaf is observed in the last weeks of September every year. 

According to a report published by the International Federation of Deaf, there are around 7 crore deaf people globally and the numbers are expected to grow in the coming years. This makes the week even more important as an early diagnosis and treatment can prevent people from facing complete hearing loss.1 If we were to discuss the challenges faced in India, the data does not provide any relief. A 2021 report suggested that around 6.6 % to 16.47% of children faced hearing loss due to otitis media.1 

Observing International Week of the Deaf has gained importance over the years by its initiatives taken to:

• Raise Awareness
• Celebrate Deaf Culture
• Advocate for their Rights 
• Foster International Solitary and Support 
• Building a Strong Deaf Community.

International Week of the Deaf 2024-Theme

To ensure equal rights for more than 70 million people all across the world2, the World Federation of the Deaf works towards promoting the human rights of deaf people. For this year’s celebrations, the following days have been planned:

How Should You Celebrate International Week of the Deaf?

Every year, a week in September is taken out to observe the challenges faced by the deaf and here’s how you can do your part:

• Learn Sign Language: Learning sign language is possibly the most impactful act that you can do. You can learn the fundamentals from a recognised institution, NGO or even through online portals. 
• Promote Accessibility: You might not be able to create accessibility but you can promote the same in your neighbour by advocating the need for physical and digital infrastructure that is deaf-friendly. 
• Educate and Spread Awareness: Educate your friends, family and colleagues about sign language, the need for empathy, and solitary and support groups for the deaf. 
• Provide Support to Organisations for the Deaf: Several organisations/NGOs are working for the rights and treatment of the deaf. You can support them in whatever way is possible for you including financial support, helping them raise awareness, spending time with the deaf people they take care of etc. 
• Take Part in or Host Local Events for Awareness: Find out events happening in and around your neighbour to raise awareness or funds for the deaf and take part in these events as an attendee or volunteer. If you want to take a bigger step, get your friends, family and colleagues on board to host a local event. 
• Advocate for Laws and Policy Changes: The people in power need to amend laws and implement policy changes that are more inclusive of the deaf. You can advocate the need for laws and policy changes for deaf education, deaf employment along with health care and commuting for the deaf. 

Did you Know the International Week of the Deaf is commemorated every year with a unique theme? The theme for 2023 was “ A World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere!” stressing the importance of sign language in creating an inclusive environment for the deaf. 

Final Reflections

WHO suggests that almost half of hearing loss can be stopped if appropriate measures are taken at the right time2. We also urge our policyholders to take preventive measures that can help control hearing loss and deafness. Avoid loud sounds and music, wear earplugs when needed, ensure regular screening to detect hearing loss in children, and regularly vaccinate against rubella, measles, etc. These are simple yet practical tips that all of us can apply in our daily lives. 

The aim behind celebrating International Week of Deaf People is to create “A World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere!" At Care Health Insurance, we offer our full support to everyone who is living with this challenge. We urge the government as well as society to take the required steps and encourage everyone around you to know sign language. This can be the foremost step towards constructing a society where deaf people can sign. 

>> Also Read: Chronic Disease Awareness Day

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.