Purpose
D-E-A-F.org collaborates with Jamaica’s Deaf schools and Deaf community leaders offering support and resources. Addressing educational barriers, language access, and Deaf empowerment.
Partners
Through our partnership with Abilities Foundation, Caribbean Christian Center for the Deaf, Deaf Can! Coffee and Jamaica Deaf Youth Advocacy, D-E-A-F.org will maintain close contact with Deaf leaders across the island to learn about current issues that need to be addressed and to stay informed about areas of concern that need continued attention.
Promise
Advocating for the Deaf youth of Jamaica to protect their right to education through full language access and to affirm their dignity as individuals and cultural identity.
why jamaica?
Jamaica’s Deaf population … 7,500 plus … is being overlooked! Decades of oppression along with the denial of language accessibility has imposed significant educational barriers on learning. A high percentage of Deaf students graduate with extremely low reading levels and only 5% will find employment. Although the Jamaican Disabilities Act passed October 10, 2014 to make provisions to safeguard and enhance the welfare of persons with disabilities, the law is not being enforced.
Jamaica’s Government does not recognize Jamaican Sign Language as an official language, nor are the teachers for the Deaf required to have any language skills or Deaf education training. Therefore, suppressing the level of independence Deaf individuals deserve.
The Deaf community is proud to have its own Jamaican Culture and are eager to work toward an inclusive community. A Jamaican community that provides language development, education access, employment and empowerment!