On Wednesday 25th September 2024, a motion was brought forward by Hon. Regina Esparon on the occasion of Deaf Week 2024 which was celebrated from Monday 23rd to Sunday 29th September. The motion, seconded by Hon. Anne Bistoquet, called for the Assembly to formally wish the Deaf Community a happy Deaf Week, thanking those who volunteer within the Community, reaffirming support for those with Hearing Impairments, and calling for the consideration of Lalang Siny Seselwa (Seychellois Sign Language) to be recognised as an official language.
Signing the deliberations was the Chairperson of the Association of People with Hearing Impairment (APHI) Ms. Anita Gardner, and interpreter Ms. Shana David. Hon. Esparon began the discourse by extending a warm welcome to a group of the Deaf who were seated in the Public Gallery and observing the Sitting. Her intervention centred on the need for the independence of the Deaf Community as equal citizens, deserving of full and equitable human rights in our society. A particular emphasis was given to the need for improved access to sign language-based education and public information.
Seconder of the motion, Hon. Bistoquet, made a strong call to action to all MDAs to begin implementing accessible solutions to challenges faced by the Deaf Community, such as access to translators when seeking services. As a differently abled Honourable Member and champion of equal rights, Hon. Naddy Zialor made an empowering intervention in which he emphasised the importance of recognising Lalang Siny Seselwa nationally. As the natural language of the Deaf Community in Seychelles, using sign language should be a protected and a fundamental human right.
The motion was passed unanimously, with all Members voting in favour and displaying their support for the Deaf Community. Before the Sitting concluded, Speaker Hon. Roger Mancienne expressed his satisfaction at the unity of the Assembly when discussing the motion, and in the promotion of the visibility of this important group in our society.
The group of Deaf citizens also had an opportunity to tour the National Assembly and meet with various Honourable Members and parliamentary staff leading on a project centred around an inclusive assembly for discussions during the break. This provided a space for the group to relay the challenges and virtues experienced by the Deaf Community directly to their elected representatives.
