Sign language is an essential tool in social care.
Four social workers from the Social Affairs Department are now incorporating signing into their everyday practice and improving communication with clients who are hearing impaired.
They were among a group of eight participants who received their certificate recently after a 6-month comprehensive Seychellois sign language interpreter training delivered by Mrs Anita Gardner, chairperson of the Seychelles Deaf Association.
The interpreter training is a follow up to a sign language training conducted last year, attended by a large group of social workers, but Sabrina Confiance, Julienne Low-Hong, Corine Jacques and Chantal Cadeau were eager move to the next level and become well-qualified interpreters.
To note, the training sponsored by Seychelles Breweries, was on voluntary basis.
“It takes away some barriers that make interaction difficult for some people, particularly in cases where verbal communication is not successful,” said Principal Social Worker, Chantal Cadeau, who added that they are now well equipped and confident to provide information, advice and guidance to the deaf and hard of hearing clients.
The training programme consisted of the principles of sign language, ethics of interpreting, the rights of deaf individuals, components of the deaf culture, and essential tips to communicate effectively.
Warmest congratulations to our four newly certified Seychellois sign language interpreters.
