MUSCAT : Celebrations in Oman spotlighted the country’s ongoing commitment to supporting the deaf community through education, training, and empowerment programs. The initiative also serves as an opportunity to reaffirm the linguistic and cultural identity of the deaf community, while promoting the use of sign language across government and private institutions.

Hamoud bin Nasser Al-Shidhani, Chairman of the Omani Association for People with Hearing Impairment, emphasized that while progress has been made, more needs to be done to ensure inclusive environments in schools, workplaces, and public services. He highlighted that current challenges include a shortage of interpreters, limited specialized educational programs, and gaps in awareness of the rights of people with hearing disabilities.

The Association, along with government and private partners, offers programs in sign language instruction, vocational training, higher education integration, and entrepreneurship support. Al-Shidhani noted the association’s role in connecting deaf individuals with employers, encouraging fair employment, and nurturing talent in the community.

Echoing this sentiment, Ala bin Ali bin Al Riyami, Board Member of the Association, stressed the importance of protecting sign languages as part of global cultural and linguistic diversity. He underlined the deaf community’s right to access information, communication, and services in sign language, calling for greater awareness in society at large.

From an educational perspective, Saeed bin Mohammed Al-Badaei, Director General of the Communication Training Institute, described sign language as a complete and natural language with its own grammar and rules, not merely “random signs.” He noted that more than 300 sign languages exist worldwide and emphasized its role in providing equal education, fostering self-confidence, and breaking down barriers of isolation.

Al-Badaei added that sign language is more than a communication tool, it is a bridge to human connection, a marker of identity, and a foundation for justice and belonging. He urged families to learn and use sign language to better connect with their deaf members and called for its introduction in schools and higher education institutions, along with regulations for certified sign language interpretation.

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