“…250 million people in the world have disabling hearing impairment…
Two-thirds of these people live in developing countries.”
~World Health Organization, 2001
Aside from the many daily struggles faced by millions of Ethiopians, imagine having to live with a disability as well. Being deaf in Ethiopia certainly brings a special set of challenges, and nationwide there are very few services available to the deaf community. Being deaf in Ethiopia often means not being able to…
- Access basic information or services
- Receive an education
- Communicate with the rest of the world
- Hold a meaningful job or trade
- Participate in basic community activities because of stigma
- And so much more…
The deaf community in Ethiopia deserves to live in the shadows no more, which is why we are striving to work side-by-side with local change-makers at the forefront of deaf education, empowerment, and service delivery in the country in helping to reach some of society’s most vulnerable and silenced members. Ethiopia is one of 153 countries that has pledged its commitment to respecting the rights of persons with disabilities, including those who are deaf:
“…discrimination against any person on the basis of disability is a violation
of the inherent dignity and worth of the human person.”
~Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 2008
Together we can change this reality. We can help empower them to realize their dreams and to unleash a vast reservoir of untapped potential.