More than 30,000 Rwandans live with hearing disabilities, and yet the use of sign language is still low. This hinders, among others, their access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights services, where often, the service seeker needs a third party to interpret.As the world marks the international Sign Language Day on September 23, it is important to reflect on the importance of inclusivity both at the level of policy formulation and enforcement of those policies.
"Sexual and reproductive health materials are not readily available in sign language, thus deaf persons are often left out, hampering their access to information," he said. For example, he said;"Deaf women at one health centre have reportedly been prescribed a contraceptive they did not want, and following a training, the health workers at the centre felt more confident interacting with deaf clients and have ensured these women receive their preferred choice."
"We are seeing more deaf people not interested in going to the health facilities because they know they will not be able to communicate with service providers to receive any service. Additionally, there is another aspect related to privacy.