Election Campaigns: Group calls for sign language interpreters

The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) group calls on political parties to provide sign language interpreters during their campaigns for the 2023 general election.

The Gombe Zonal Coordinator, JONAPWD, Mr. Yusuf Yahaya, said this in a statement in Gombe State on Wednesday.

Yahaya said using sign language interpreters would enable smooth communication of party manifestoes to the electorates, especially Persons With Disabilities.

“The unavailability of sign language interpreters during campaigns has made some of our members stay away from voting.

“Sign language interpreters help PWDs to take part in the electoral process.

“PWDs often find it difficult to partake in campaigns and other political activities because they feel left out.

“Providing sign language interpreters during campaigns, media interviews, and including them in the campaign and committees, will give PWDs a sense of belonging and motivate them to vote during the election,’’ he said.

Yahaya said PWDs deserved information on the plans and schedules of political parties and their candidates, adding that this was the essence of campaigns.

“But many do not get that and may not participate in voting,” the JONAPWD official said

NAN/S.O