Thailand joins International Week of the Deaf 2018

 

Bangkok (NNT/VNA) - Thailand joined the world in recognising the International Week of the Deaf 2018, holding an event to raise public awareness of people with disabilities. 

The event was held by the National Association of the Deaf in Thailand. The International Week of the Deaf is celebrated annually across the world during the last week of September. 

The theme of the event this year was “With Sign Language, Everyone is Included!”, focusing on recognising the importance of sign language in order to empower the deaf and promote their social interaction through recreational activities. 

The event was in line with the fourth national plan on the development of the quality of life of the disabled. The plan highlights the integration of the disabled into today's society, while eliminating social inequality between them and the rest of the community. It is also part of the strategy to create a society that has positive thoughts toward the disabled. 

Thai Department for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities' Director-General Somkid Somsri stressed that the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security recognises the importance of improving the quality of life of the disabled in all respects.

He elaborated that the initiative also includes educating the public about sign language and providing various facilities for their everyday activities. Other areas the ministry underlines include the empowerment of the organisations related to deaf services, the arrangement of activities that benefit the deaf, the promotion of occupations for the disabled, and financial access. 

Activities at the event included sign language exhibitions, talks on the deaf and their success in life, and the importance of sign language in Thai society.-NNT/VNA