By Sharonne Namarome
Recently, the world marked the International Deaf Awareness Week. This week under the theme “sign up for sign language rights” was enacted to raise awareness about the rights, challenges, and achievements of the deaf community, promoting inclusion and accessibility in all areas of life. It also sought to highlight the importance of sign language as a human right, encourage equal opportunities for education and employment, and advocate for policies that remove communication barriers.
However, it is crucial to reflect on the scope of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Community Rights (SRHR), particularly for adolescents. SRHR entails access to information, services, and rights related to sexual and reproductive health which is essential for all individuals including deaf adolescents.
Unfortunately, this group faces unique challenges that hinder their access to comprehensive SRHR information and services, making it imperative to address them, even as we strive for equity among the deaf community.
Deaf adolescents, just like other people need accurate information on puberty, contraception, consent, and sexuality education. However, due to communication barriers, deaf people are excluded from sex education programs. Schools and healthcare facilities often fail to provide interpreters or adopt educational materials into sign language, denying them opportunities to access this critical knowledge.
According to a 2022 study by UNICEF, deaf adolescents in low and middle-income countries including Kenya are up to three times more likely to experience early pregnancies and contract sexually transmitted infections due to inadequate SRHR education. Additionally, 2020 data from WHO revealed that only 35 percent of deaf adolescents have access to information on HIV prevention compared to 68 percent of their counterparts.
Communication barriers are another significant challenge that hinders access to this important information. Adolescents who rely on sign language often cannot participate in mainstream SRHR due to a lack of interpreters and access to the needed materials. Moreover, they are also left out of public health campaigns and digital health platforms that predominantly cater to hearing individuals.
Cultural stigma is another impediment among deaf individuals. In most communities, discussing sexual and reproductive health is already a taboo. When combined with the stigma of disability, deaf adolescents are even less likely to seek or receive the care they need. In addition, healthcare providers often lack the training and cultural competence to effectively communicate with deaf adolescents, further marginalizing this group.
Addressing SRHR challenges among deaf communities is therefore key in ensuring their well-being and empowering them to make informed decisions. Ensuring the SRHR information is available in accessible formats such as sign language and visual aids can significantly reduce the information gap and improve health outcomes.
Additionally, healthcare providers must be trained in basic sign language to foster better communication with deaf adolescents. Moreover, SRHR materials should be translated into sign language, ensuring the information is not only accessible but also culturally sensitive. Engaging deaf adolescents themselves in creating these resources can further ensure relevance and impact.
Lastly, educational institutions must also play a more active role in promoting SRHR education by including deaf-friendly materials. In collaboration with health practitioners, schools can provide safe spaces where deaf adolescents can ask questions and receive accurate information in a language they understand.
