Message from the Deaf Community

The transformation from 1938 to 2008 has brought us from out of the dark into the light.  I remember that the late Nella Webb, a pioneering Deaf advocate, told me that she noticed many things changing over the years, bringing a new level of respect to the Deaf Community.  She had a vision of a Deaf person being included on the JAD Board of Directors, and today this is the case, I sit on the JAD’s Board.  

Miss Webb asked me to educate the public to ensure that everyone in Jamaica come to respect Deaf Culture.  Now, I am working with Jamaica Association for the Deaf through its Social Service Department to do just that.  I appreciate that JAD’s management is willing to listen to the Deaf Community and to try to cooperate with us to get things done.  I am really very proud to be a part of this hard working team.

Today, the Deaf Community continues to fight obstacles such as access to driving on Jamaican roads with a Jamaican driver’s license, closed captioning on public and private electronic media, provision of sign language interpreting services, and there are other negative situations.  Despite this, however, we continue to advocate for change.  In addition, we help to empower Deaf persons to improve their literacy level to ensure that Deaf persons can attain higher education as well as benefit from employment opportunities.  

The Deaf Community salutes the Jamaica Association for the Deaf and encourages you to keep up the good work! 

 

A. Neville Aiken

Deaf Community Leader

JAD Board Member