A policy paper prepared by the Arab Women's Training and Research Center "Kawthar" has recommended launching a national dialogue on sign language in Tunisia. The paper, prepared in partnership with the Tunisian Association of the Deaf, "Voice of the Deaf," was released on the occasion of the International Day of Sign Language. The paper aims to develop a national strategy to promote the use of sign language and enhance the integration of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
The paper proposed establishing a national working group to develop a clear public policy to promote sign language and recognize its role in enhancing the integration of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. It also recommended organizing conferences, workshops, and awareness campaigns to bring together various stakeholders, including government ministries, civil society organizations, and media outlets.
The paper suggested supporting the license program in sign language at the Higher Institute of Humanities in Tunis, which is affiliated with the University of Tunis El Manar. This would involve enhancing the teaching framework, developing international cooperation, and providing financial incentives for professors and trainers, particularly those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
The paper also recommended updating educational tools and techniques, producing specialized dictionaries in collaboration with civil society, and establishing a program to train and certify sign language interpreters. This would facilitate access to various services for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
In terms of professional integration, the paper called for diversifying job opportunities for graduates of sign language programs and aligning training with labor market needs. It also emphasized the importance of ensuring independent access to administrative, health, and judicial services for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
According to estimates from civil society, the number of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in Tunisia ranges from 18,000 to 30,000 people. The paper noted that despite the establishment of a sign language license program at the University of Tunis in 2003, only around 300 graduates have been produced, with many facing limited job prospects or choosing to emigrate.
The implementation of these recommendations and the launch of a national dialogue are expected to contribute to the translation of Tunisia's constitutional and international commitments to the rights of individuals with disabilities. This would promote the role of sign language as a means of accessing rights and services, achieving integration, and participating in public life.
Key points
- The Tunisian government is urged to launch a national dialogue on sign language to promote the integration of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
