Seychellois delegates learn much at world congress for the deaf |11 August 2011

Miss David was accompanied at the July 18-24 conference by the chairperson of the Association of People with Hearing Impairment (Aphi) Anita Gardner.

Over 2000 delegates from 125 countries took part in the conference.

Miss David said taking part in the conference has been a great experience.

“It was the first time I have been among so many people with hearing impairment and it was a chance to learn more about the Deaf Federation and talk to people from different countries with the same condition,” Miss David said.

She said she has learned that deaf people, given the right opportunity to health, education and training, could achieve a lot in life and can be as successful as anybody else.

She noted that the exchanges she has had and all the information she has gathered through the different presentations on various conditions related to hearing impairment have given her new knowledge to share with both parents and her counterparts here.

Held every four years, the conference is organised to the last details entirely by deaf people.

Mrs Garner said the event was really impressive and it highlighted the different skills and abilities of deaf people.

She noted that the conference, which was held under the theme Global Deaf Renaissance, puts a lot of emphasis on the United Nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities and also stressed on several of its articles relating specifically to health, education and development opportunities for deaf people.

“It was also a time for deaf associations around the world to get updated on issues affecting their members,” Mrs Gardner said.

She said among the various topics and presentations she learned a lot on education for both the deaf and the blind. She also attended meetings and discussions with deaf association representatives from countries of the region.

“It was also an opportunity to know what other associations are doing, exchange views and share ideas on programmes and activities. I came back from the conference armed with new ideas and tools to continue my work on the ground,” said Mrs Gardner.

The next conference is expected to be held in Turkey in 2015.