What we do

At NNAD, we focus on several key areas to improve the lives of Deaf Namibians and to address specific areas of concern. 

These concerns include:

  • The current number of interpreters serving the ±27,000 Deaf Namibia scattered across the country is not sufficient. Consequently, the level of sign language interpretation in Namibia is very low compared to other countries in the region. Sign Language interpreters are not remunerated well, resulting in skilled workforce leaving the profession to seek greener pastures. There are limited domestic policies that compel employers and other institution and agencies to avail sign language interpreters.
  • The National Disability Act does not address specific Disabilities and makes no provision for how they should be addressed.
  • Namibia, being a signatory to the UNCRPD, promises to safeguard and ensure equal, accessibility and respect of diverse human rights for all its people. There is a need to develop and professionalize Service delivery and redress the communication barrier between the Hearing and the Deaf community.

Advocacy and Policy Change

We work with government agencies and other organizations to advocate for policies that protect and promote the rights of Deaf individuals including recognition of Namibian Sign language and access to services through sign Language and Interpreters.

Education

We provide educational support and resources to Deaf learners and work to improve the quality of education they receive through consultation and advocacy work for quality inclusive Education. This is done through continued sign Language interpreter training, consultation with the education ministry on the best practice and lobbying for support towards teacher professionalisation.

Educational Rights

The right to bilingual education, incorporating both sign language and spoken language, is fundamental for Deaf individuals. Access to Namibian Sign Language from an early age ensures that Deaf children can fully participate in educational opportunities, leading to better academic outcomes and greater future prospects.

Equality and Inclusion

Recognizing Namibian Sign Language as a national language is a step towards ensuring equality and inclusion for Deaf individuals. It would provide them with the same rights and opportunities as their hearing peers, fostering a more inclusive society where everyone can contribute and thrive.

Find out about schools for the Deaf, and inclusive schools

Sign Language Training and Promotion

Training

We teach Namibian Sign Language and have successfully negotiated for sign language interpreters to be included in NBC news broadcasts. Further, we continue to offer Namibian Sign Language training to the broad public and institutions to ensure an inclusive Namibia where everyone can sign anywhere.

Find out about Sign Language training

Our Sign Language training is supported by our ongoing development of different modes to ensure access to learning platforms such as our Namibian Sign Language Dictionary and the NAMSLAPP. The Namibian Sign Language App is currently under development; once complete it will enable you to start learning Namibian Sign Language in your own time and comfort of your home or office. Free of charge!

Promoting Sign Language Rights in Namibia

Human rights are universal, indivisible, and interconnected. They belong to all people, regardless of gender, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status such as disability or deafness. Unfortunately, due to societal prejudices and incorrect assumptions, Deaf people’s rights are often overlooked or denied, especially in developing countries like Namibia. This oversight significantly impacts Deaf individuals’ quality of life and their ability to fully participate in society.

The NNAD is committed to addressing these issues and promoting the recognition and advancement of the rights of Deaf people in Namibia. One of the critical areas of focus is the recognition of Namibian Sign Language as a national language, on par with other indigenous languages.

Sign Language Rights in Namibia

Sign language rights draw upon the principle of basic human rights concerning language acquisition from birth. Early access to sign language enables Deaf children to have full communication with people around them, significantly improving their cognitive and social skills. This early exposure is crucial for their overall development and integration into society.

As emphasized by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), sign language is inseparable from Deaf people’s human rights. Without the recognition and promotion of sign language, Deaf people cannot achieve equality.

The Importance of Namibian Sign Language

There are hundreds of sign languages worldwide, each unique and independent of spoken languages. Namibian Sign Language is no different and holds a vital place in the country’s cultural and linguistic landscape. Recognizing Namibian Sign Language as a national language is essential for several reasons:

Cultural Identity and Diversity

Each sign language, including Namibian Sign Language, has its own unique structure, grammar, and lexicon, contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of the nation. Recognizing Namibian Sign Language as a national language would embrace and protect this diversity, ensuring that Deaf culture and identity are respected and preserved.

Cognitive and Social Development

Numerous studies have shown that sign language supports the development of brain function and social skills. Early exposure to sign language is critical for Deaf children, providing a strong foundation for their cognitive, social, emotional, and linguistic growth. Without it, they are deprived of essential communication tools that are vital for their development.

Employment Support

We help Deaf individuals find employment and provide training to improve their job prospects. With our annual consultations with different employers, our members can get jobs through this program.  So far, this program continues to reach different employers and we implore employees to comply with the Affirmative Action Policy and ensure their workforce comprises different persons with disabilities. NNAD Calls on prospective volunteers also to come through and offer employment guides and draft resumes for our members to be able to market themselves.

Community Outreach

We organize events and activities to raise awareness about Deaf issues and foster a supportive community. Our tradition of Deaf Week awareness has gained momentum and has been celebrated annually. This platform presents opportunities for the hearing community to learn about the success and challenges faced by the Deaf community. It also presents an opportunity for free sign Language training especially to the key ministries and agencies.

Our Projects

NNAD has been performing very well in its various projects. The current limitations are:

  • Lack of funding.
  • Sign Language Dictionary printing is incomplete because of lack of funds.
  • Need for interpreter training. There are few interpreters in Namibia and hence the need to train more interpreters for the Deaf to access information and services.
  • Need to sensitize the community of the rights of the Deaf people.
  • Funds to advocate for the Deaf to have better opportunities like other people in society, the right to Health Care services, Education, Information, Technology.
  • Funding for the translation of the National documents to ensure accessibility and Deaf friendly environment. (Translation of the Constitution, translation of the UNCRPD, Translation of the Affirmative Action Act, Translation of the National Disability Act.)
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