Our cooperating partner ANAD through the project “Imagine Yourself in the Local government ” aims to educate and inform young individuals who have hearing impairments about local government institutions, their responsibilities, and services through access to information. In order to maintain a healthy democracy, young people need to be educated and encouraged to become active members of the society, but they are often excluded from this opportunity.
This exclusion becomes even more challenging for young individuals who are deaf, as they face double discrimination. Firstly, due to their young age, and secondly, due to the lack of access to information in Albanian Sign Language, hindering their equal participation in society, as outlined in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Law 93/2014. Consequently, the lack of accessible information and unfamiliarity with institutions prevent young individuals from engaging in matters that are crucial to them, inhibiting their ability to hold institutions, especially local ones, accountable and to be treated and benefit equally from services.
The movement of the population towards Tirana and the high unemployment rate in the surrounding areas have enabled an increase in the number of young individuals studying, living, and working in this city. However, due to the lack of accessible information, they are not involved in social, cultural, political activities, let alone youth initiatives and decision-making processes. There is a noticeable lack of accessible activities in sign language and spaces, limiting their opportunities for education, inclusion, and equal access to services, pushing them towards the borders of social exclusion.
As a result of the lack of accessible information and education, young individuals who are deaf lack knowledge about local government institutions, their roles, responsibilities, and the services they offer, excluding them from service benefits and the opportunity to influence policies directly affecting them. Additionally, the digitization of services previously provided at counters by local government institutions has further exacerbated difficulties for this community due to the lack of accessible information.
Franceska Xhunga, Board member of ANAD points out that “For the first time, young people who are deaf have become acquainted with the Community Services of the Municipality and can turn to them for any challenging social and economic situations within their families.” By highlighting the availability of these services, Xhunga emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment for the deaf youth, allowing them to navigate and seek assistance for various social and economic challenges that may impact them. This not only signifies a commitment to accessibility but also promotes a more inclusive and understanding society.
Check out the informative video below in sign language explaining this topic in sign language: “Imagine Yourself in the Local government”
