By Dr. Lee J. Peter

The challenges faced by individuals with hearing impairments in securing employment, education, and livelihood are very real.

The Department of Social Welfare recently disclosed that there are 46,127 people in Malaysia living with hearing impairments, highlighting the urgent need for our society to fully comprehend and address the formidable obstacles these individuals face on a daily basis.

In response to this critical issue, students from Heriot-Watt University Malaysia (HWUM) have taken proactive steps through the EmPOWER programme.

Student project

As part of their student project, the primary goals were to raise awareness and generate financial support for the deaf community.

I’m delighted to share that HWUM students successfully raised a total of RM18,244 for the Malaysia Federation of the Deaf (MFD) to support their various welfare programmes. This remarkable achievement not only highlights the dedication of these students but also serves as a beacon of hope for the deaf community, showing that positive change is possible when we come together to address these vital issues.

In April 2023, HWUM students embarked on an immersive experience, delving into the world of hearing impairment through a volunteer programme.

They visited Taska Istika Jaya in Puchong, a preschool for deaf children under the MFD, with the goal of gaining a profound understanding of a deaf student’s learning environment. During their visit, they played games, conducted activities, and interviewed 38 children using sign language, which was met with enthusiasm and enjoyment. This experience of communicating in sign language proved to be truly special and eye-opening.

Furthermore, HWUM students also visited MFD in Bandar Puchong and interacted with hearing-impaired staff, enhancing their understanding of the challenges faced by the deaf community. Despite initial communication challenges, their exchanges were fruitful and free from any preconceived notions. This experience provided the students with a genuine insight into the struggles and experiences encountered by the hearing impaired.

Sign language

In a dedicated and resolute endeavour to remove barriers and address the deficiency in accessible sign language, which has regrettably led to the isolation of the deaf community from fundamental aspects of life, including access to healthcare and securing essential food resources, HWUM students took action this year.

They introduced Online Sign Language Courses, a pioneering initiative that uses Sign Language handbooks and reference materials to teach the essentials of Malaysian Sign Language (MSL - the sign language used by the Deaf community in Malaysia). It is a visual-gestural language that utilises handshapes, movements, facial expressions, and body postures to convey sophisticated meaning.

The Online Courses were conducted via the popular social media platforms Microsoft Teams Live and Instagram. These two-week online courses not only equip participants with sign language skills but also break down communication barriers for individuals with hearing impairments. Upon successful completion of the course, participants received certificates.

Charity bazaar

Due to economic challenges, the MFD faced a decline in private donations, resulting in a funding shortfall for various programmes. In response, HWUM students organised a Charity Bazaar in the middle of this year, offering a diverse range of items, from handcrafted goods to custom T-shirts in the ‘DIY Tie-Dye Project.’

Here, potential buyers could design their T-shirts for RM30 based on the colours and designs provided in brochures. Students used white T-shirts and materials like tie-dye paints, rubber bands, and zip-lock bags to create the T-shirts according to customers’ preferences.

Alongside other activities, RM18,244 was raised for MFD, which represents the voice of the Deaf Community, advocating for their rights and needs in Malaysia. With this support, MFD will be able to cover their operational costs, advance their initiatives in Sign Language Advocacy, support early childhood education, and address other needs related to the deaf community.

As a person who has been personally involved in these projects, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi, HWUM’s Provost and Chief Executive Officer, for his unwavering leadership and invaluable guidance in advancing this noble cause.

My sincere gratitude is also extended to Jasmine Low, the Head of Heriot-Watt Global College Malaysia (HWGCM), along with Renuga T. Rethinam and Rohaya Daud, dedicated staff members of HWGCM, whose commitment has been indispensable. Lastly, I would like to express my thanks to Marques Jeevan Menon, the EmPOWER Programme Director, for his invaluable support.

Equitable opportunity

Individuals with hearing impairments deserve a society that places a high value on their inclusion, promotes effective communication, and treats them with the utmost kindness and respect.

To contribute to this vision, we can actively advocate for sign language, work towards establishing more environments that are welcoming and accommodating to the deaf community, and practice patience and understanding in our interactions. Through our collective efforts, we can pave the way for a future where every individual, regardless of their circumstances, has an equitable opportunity to thrive.

-- BERNAMA

Dr. Lee J. Peter is an Assistant Professor at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia.