Access to information in times of war crucial for the deaf

Access to information, particularly during times of war, has proved inadequate for deaf people, the House human rights committee heard on Monday.

The Cyprus confederation of disability organisations (Kysoa) and the association of sign language interpreters raised the issue with the MPs during discussions on the implementation of legislation to recognise Cyprus’ sign language and measures to ensure the rights of deaf people.

Kysoa chairwoman Themis Anthopoulou said it was vital for deaf people to have access to news and that more should be done to make sure this happens.

Especially at times of crisis, such as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, there may be developments that should be accessible to deaf people, beyond the short news bulletin on state TV, she said.

Anthopoulou further explained that the sms warnings sent out to mobile phones last week could very well cause panic among deaf people, who did not have the opportunity to learn that these were just tests.

She also said information should be made more widely available in view of the May 24 parliamentary elections, so that deaf people could follow televised panel discussions, which may affect their choices.

Chairwoman of the sign language interpreters association Kyproulla Makri said not ensuring full access to deaf people to watch television programmes was a serious problem.

The issue was discussed by the committee at the recommendation of Akel MP Giorgos Koukoumas.

Makri said the association was relatively new and had only 22 members in the few years since it had been established.

She added that certifying sign language interpreters was not regulated by law yet.

The education ministry representative clarified that it only managed the training of staff and not the certification of interpreters.

The representative furthermore said that, although the ministry was ready to start training, legislation did not specify which level of the trainees should reach.