Make sign language examinable in health training institutions

Mrs. Magdalene Agbi, a Nurse at the Family Health Unit, Ho Municipal Health Directorate, has appealed to government to make the sign language examinable in health training institutions in the country.

She said it was only when the subject was examinable and taken for a full year that nurses could be equipped to communicate effectively with people with hearing impairment.

Mrs. Agbi made the appeal at a day’s workshop on citizens advocacy forum to amplify voices of the vulnerable through the media.

It was organised by Penplusbyte, an NGO driving change through innovation, under the theme “Alternative to Current Health Sector Policies for PWDs” with support from STAR Ghana Foundation.

She said though access to infrastructure, especially at health facilities, for People living With Disabilities was increasing, language remained a great barrier, which needed concerted efforts to address.

Mrs. Agbi pleaded with parents and guardians to help their wards living with disabilities by seeking medical help, and desist from hiding them from the public.

She also advised pregnant women, especially those from rural areas to regularly visit health centres and hospitals during early stages of pregnancy for safe deliveries.

Mr. Elolo Agyei, Volta Regional President, Ghana Federation for the Disabled (GFD), appealed to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to provide health facilities with sign language interpreters to aid people with hearing impairment.

He commended government for including persons with disability in health policies and pleaded for the extension of sign language lessons to other tertiary institutions.