OR Tambo District trains staff in ASL
The OR Tambo District in South Africa is investing in sign language training for staff and councillors reported to improve access for deaf residents.
This initiative follows Executive Mayor Cllr Mesuli Ngqondwana's directive to improve communication with Deaf residents. The municipality successfully trained 70 frontline staff and councillors in the first Sign Language Awareness Workshop. The workshop covered Deaf culture, emphasizing eye contact, visual cues, and respectful engagement. Participants gained practical skills in basic sign language, including common signs and sentence construction. South Africa recognizes South African Sign Language (SASL) as an official language. This training aligns with broader efforts to ensure accessibility and inclusivity in public services. The O.R. Tambo District Municipality's action reflects a commitment to inclusive governance, ensuring no resident is excluded from participation or access to services. Such initiatives may create opportunities for ASL translation providers to partner with similar government entities to improve accessibility.
