The Albino Foundation Public Notice
The increasing number of humanitarian crises cases around the world, both man-made and natural affects the deaf too. Deaf people in the midst of these crisis situations are complaining of lack of access to information about where to go or how to respond.
This was contained in a release by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) today 15th March, 2024. The release states “The World Federation of the Deaf is an international non-profit and non-governmental organisation of deaf associations from 136 countries representing 70 million deaf people worldwide.
There has been an increasing number of humanitarian crises cases around the world, both man-made and natural. Deaf people in the midst of these crisis situations have repeatedly reported to us that they do not have access to basic humanitarian aid due to lack of access to information about where to go or how to respond.
How are deaf people affected by crises and disasters?
• Limited Information Access in Sign Language
Deaf individuals lack crucial information during disasters due to a lack of sign language interpretation, increasing vulnerability.
• Exclusion from Health Care and Basic Needs
Deaf people face barriers in accessing timely health care information and necessities during emergencies.
• Communication Challenges for Deaf Children
o Deaf children in non-signing environments struggle with communication during emergencies, impacting their safety and well-being.
o Deaf individuals may be denied sign language education, hindering their understanding and response to disaster-related information.
• Access to Sign Language Information for Displaced Persons
o Shelters and displacement centers often lack sign language information, making it difficult for deaf individuals to access resources.
o Lack of sign language support in Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) campaigns leaves deaf individuals vulnerable.
o Deaf individuals may be excluded from safe spaces and aid programming during humanitarian emergencies, necessitating inclusive communication strategies.
Our work around the world
As soon as a crisis or disaster situation arises, the WFD immediately contacts the federation of deaf people of the country concerned.
How will your donation be used?
• Supporting the WFD’s ongoing DRR work
Your donation will allow the WFD to support our members who are experiencing emergencies, and coordinate support with targeted international organisations (UN, NGOs, etc.). The WFD Secretariat is constantly in communication with International humanitarian organisations who provide aid, in order to ensure that deaf people are included in all aid efforts.
• Financing urgent and essential needs
Support the needs of our members by providing access to sign language interpreters, translation of informative videos into their national sign language, and use of torch lights, batteries, or by delivering supplies that facilitate access to information and communication.
• Financing training and preparedness
Prepare deaf communities to respond to disasters and humanitarian emergencies through training courses for our members
To donate or read more at https://www.gofundme.com/f/Support-Rights-DeafPeople-Crisis?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer
Or visit WFD website https://wfdeaf.org/
