In recent years, there’s been a growing movement to raise the visibility of Singapore Sign Language (SgSL) and advocate for the Deaf community’s rights. Initiatives, like the new e-book on SgSL are commendable steps forward. Additionally, efforts by government representatives, such as Eric Chua’s initiative to study SgSL and consider making it Singapore’s official sign language, highlight the increasing recognition of our language. You can watch his interview here.

Moreover, a recent article on Channel NewsAsia (CNA) sheds light on the challenges faced by the Deaf community in Singapore. It emphasizes the importance of integrating SgSL into national education and acknowledges the hurdles that still exist. You can read the article here. This powerful message resonates with the experiences of many in our community.

However, despite these advancements, many Deaf individuals in Singapore, including myself, still face significant barriers that prevent us from fully participating in society.

The Essence of Inclusivity and Accessibility

Inclusivity means creating an environment where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can participate fully and equally. It’s about acceptance, respect, and valuing the diverse experiences each person brings. Accessibility complements this by ensuring that environment, services, and information are designed so that everyone can use them, including people with disabilities.

For the Deaf community in Singapore, inclusivity and accessibility manifest through the recognition and support of our primary mode of communication — sign language. When society acknowledges SgSL and implements policies that ensure accessibility, it allows us to engage fully in educational, professional, and social settings.

Personal Experiences Highlighting the Challenges

Professional Development Opportunities
Recently, I was excited to receive an email about a pro bono workshop on performance management (HR) hosted by a well-known organization. It was an excellent opportunity for professional development and networking. However, my enthusiasm quickly turned to disappointment when I was informed that they could not afford to provide sign language interpretation services. Instead, I was advised to engage an interpreter at my own expense. Unfortunately, I couldn’t afford to do so, which effectively denied me the chance to participate. This situation underscores a significant shortcoming in the commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

Arts and Cultural Participation
As a pioneering advocate for the Deaf community and the founder of ExtraOrdinary Horizons (Deaf Singapore), I have dedicated my life to promoting Deaf arts, culture, heritage, language, and music within the community. My work in Deaf music, including visual theatrics, poetry, and storytelling, serves as a powerful tool for advocacy and awareness.

Despite this, when I’m invited to participate in research interviews, arts workshops, and events that could showcase my artistry, I often face similar obstacles. Organizers frequently inform me that they cannot afford to provide sign language interpretation services and suggest that I engage an interpreter at my own expense. While I am passionate about contributing to these events, the cost of hiring interpreters can be prohibitive. Some I can afford, but others I cannot, leading to missed opportunities to share my work and advocate for the Deaf community.

Limited Interpretation Services
As a life member of the Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf), I am entitled to certain benefits, including 20 sessions of free sign language (FIS) annually. Each session lasts for three hours. While this support is valuable, it may not cover all my needs throughout the year, given the frequency of events and opportunities that arise. The limited availability of free interpretation services highlights the ongoing challenge of accessibility for Deaf individuals.

Positive Examples of Inclusivity

Amid these challenges, there are organizations that exemplify a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. The Purple Symphony, SG Enable, Voices of Singapore, and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra have been supportive in providing the necessary services for me to perform my job professionally and at my best (top quality). Their dedication to accommodating the needs of Deaf individuals sets a positive example for others to follow.

Lack of Standardization and Support for Interpreters

Adding to these challenges is the fact that Singapore currently does not have an official association of sign language interpreters. There is no standardized assessment or certification process to qualify both hearing and Deaf interpreters. As a result, the interpretation skills among interpreters can vary significantly. This lack of standardization affects the quality and reliability of interpretation services, making it even more difficult for Deaf individuals to access essential information and services.

Limited Availability of Remote Interpreting Services

Furthermore, video remote interpreting (VRI) services are not yet widely available in Singapore; it’s still a new concept. Video relay services (VRS), which allow Deaf individuals to communicate via video calls with hearing people through a sign language interpreter, have yet to be launched. The absence of these technological solutions limits our options for accessible communication, especially in situations where in-person interpretation may not be feasible.

Broader Challenges Faced by the Deaf Community

These personal experiences are not isolated incidents. Many Deaf individuals in Singapore face similar challenges:

• Educational Barriers: Without adequate support services like qualified interpreters, Deaf students struggle to access the curriculum effectively. The CNA article highlights how integrating SgSL into national education is crucial for overcoming these barriers.
  
• Workplace Exclusion: Employers may overlook providing necessary accommodations, limiting our ability to contribute and advance professionally.
  
• Social Isolation: Public events, including the National Day Parade (NDP) and community activities often lack accessibility provisions, leaving us feeling marginalized.
  

The Impact of Exclusion

Exclusions like the one I faced aren’t just personal setbacks; they reflect a broader societal issue. When companies and organisations don’t prioritize accessibility, they send a message that the participation of Deaf individuals is not valued. This not only hinders our personal and professional growth but also deprives society of the diverse perspectives and talents we offer.

Preventing Future Exclusions

To create a more inclusive Singapore, several steps can be taken:

1. Policy Implementation and Enforcement:
   • Mandate Accessibility: The government should enforce lawas requiring accessibility services in all public events, educational institutions, and workplaces.
   • Monitor Compliance: Establish bodies to ensure organisations adhere to these laws.
     
2. Standardization of Interpretation Services:
   • Establish an Association of Sign Language Interpreters: Forming an official association can help regulate and standardize the profession.
   • Certification: Implement standardized assessments to qualify interpreters, ensuring consistent and high-quality interpretation services.
     
3. Organisational Commitment:
   • Inclusive Planning: Organisations must include the cost of accessibility services in their budgets, viewing them as essential rather than optional.
   • Staff Training: Educate employees about Singapore Sign Language, Deaf culture and effective communication methods (including captioning/speech-to-text technology) to foster an inclusive environment.
     
4. Financial Support and Incentives:
   • Government Grants: Provide funding to help organizations cover the costs of accessibility services, especially for non-profit and community events.
   • Incentives: Offer tax benefits or recognition awards to companies that prioritize inclusive practices.
     
5. Leveraging Technology:
   • Develop Remote Interpreting Services: Invest in establising remote interpreting services and video relay services in Singapore. These technologies can provide flexible and timely access to interpretation, especially when in-person services are unavailable.
   • Assistive Tools: Utilize technologies, like real-time captioning, and speech-to-text technology to make events more accessible.
     
6. Community Engagement:
   • Collaborate with SADeaf, TOUCH Silent Club (TSC) and Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing Federation Singapore (DHHFS): Work together to develop best practices for inclusion and to understand the specific needs of the Deaf communities.
   • Raise Awareness: Share stories and experiences to highlight the importance of accessibility, encouraging societal empathy and support. ExtraOrdinary Horizons and Equal Dreams are another good plaforms.
     

A Vision for an Inclusive Singapore

I hold a hopeful vision where the Singapore public not only accepts but embraces SgSL. By making accessibility a policy priority and establishing structures to support and standardize interpretation services, we can ensure that Deaf people are integral parts of our society. This includes embracing new technologies like remote interpreting and video relay services, which can significantly enhance communication accessibility.

This isn’t just about legal obligations; it’s about recognizing the inherent value that diversity brings to our community.

Conclusion

The journey toward inclusivity and accessibility is ongoing. While initiatives like the SgSL e-book and Eric Chua’s advocacy are positive steps, we must address the persistent barriers that prevent full participation. The CNA article serves as a powerful reminder of the work that still needs to be done.

By sharing experiences and advocating for change, we can inspire action and foster a society where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive.

I encourage organizations, policymakers, and individuals to reflect on the importance of inclusivity. Let’s work together to ensure that future opportunities are accessible to all, preventing exclusions like those I and many others have experienced. By embracing inclusivity and accessibility— and by establishing standard qualifications for interpreters and launching remote interpreting services — we enrich our society and uphold the dignity and rights of every individual.

Let’s make Singapore a place where Deaf people are not just accommodated but celebrated for their contributions. Together, we can build a more inclusive and compassionate community.