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01 September 2021 | Story Rulanzen Martin
As in previous years, the Department of South African Sign Language and Deaf Studies (SASL) – a pioneering force within deaf studies – will embark on a broader campaign to create much-needed awareness of the deaf. 

This year’s #UFSDeafAwarenesscampaign aims to inform and contribute to an inclusive society, not only among the UFS community, but also among the public. The department, together with the Centre for Universal Access and Disability Support, provides exceptional support to the 16 deaf and hard of hearing students at the UFS. 

Jani de Lange, Lecturer in Deaf Studies at the UFS, says the deaf forms part of the diverse South African community – “however, there are still many misconceptions about the deaf world. Therefore, deaf awareness plays an important role in facilitating a bridge between hearing and deaf people”.  

Awareness, duty, and social responsibility collide 

Many of the staff in the department considers themselves part of the deaf community. “They play a major role in educating others through our academic programmes, as well as continuous workshops and short learning programmes,” says De Lange. She continues, saying that by celebrating Deaf Awareness Month, “we are reminded of our role and responsibility towards the deaf.” 

The department also has a long-standing relationship with Mimosa Mall in Bloemfontein, with conversational students displaying their final group projects in the centre of the shopping mall.  Mimosa is also a partner in school-based projects, such as the Bartimea School for the Deaf and Blind in Thaba Nchu. “Every year, the department, together with our student association, Signals, and all interested Sign Language students, visits Bartimea, where we host a variety of activities with the children and also help the school with small maintenance projects. In 2019 – the last time we were able to visit the school – we repainted parts of the Foundation Phase’s playground,” De Lange says.

“We hope that the public will take the time to read about deafness, Sign Language, and the deaf community to understand the exciting traditions of the culture.”  The end goal is to encourage a greater understanding that ‘you do not need hearing to listen’. 

Getting the community involved 

To get people involved in the campaign, the department invites UFS staff to participate in a competition where they can learn how to introduce themselves in SASL. The department is also planning an informal training session for staff and students on 7 September 2021. 


The Department of SASL and Deaf Studies also presents a FREE Introduction to SASL short learning programme. 

→  Click here for more information 


 #UFSDeafAwarenessMonth #DeafAwareness #DeafCommunity

                     


News Archive

The Great Pool of Exhilaration
2015-02-11

Photo: Albert van Biljon 

 

Boys’ roars and ladies’ shouts could be heard from miles away. From this, one could tell that the 2015 first-year’s Swimming Gala was bound to be an exciting one.

While RC Sports members were stressing, the first-years blissfully continued in song and excitement.

One would think that, after a hectic first week of classes, first-years would not have much energy left, but the atmosphere proved that Residence Committees (RCs) had prepared the individuals with rather motivating pep talks before the event. Most male residences put their best foot forward, not holding back on themed attire and additional instruments, while female residences sang and danced to the music provided. Not only were the masses competing to claim that they had the greatest spirit on this night, but they were also waiting to hear the results of the Spirit Cup for the first-years’ Athletics, which was cut short due to heavy rain showers. This simply added to the already intense anticipation of first-years and RC Sports members, as they would receive the results only at the end of the event.

The competition was tough as many of the first-years who competed moved with ease in the water as though it was second nature to them. This year’s gala saw quite a few talented, national swimmers competing, which left those who swam for pride and points intimidated. The excitement of the crowd was heightened as the relay section of the programme approached. This meant that the winners were to be announced soon.

In the ladies’ section, the residences were placed:
• 1st – Marjolein
• 2nd – Wag-‘n-Bietjie
• 3rd – Sonnedou

In the men’s section, the residences were placed:
• 1st – Armentum
• 2nd – Vishuis
• 3rd – Karee

When the time arrived for the announcement of the Spirit Cup winners, many were hopefully clenching their hearts for their name to be roared out. In most people’s opinion, it came as no surprise when Armentum walked away with the Spirit Cup for both the first-years’ Athletics and the Swimming Gala. Furthermore, Armentum’s broader South College community – of which Emily Hobhouse, Marjolein, NJ vd Merwe and Villa Bravado are also part – walked away with the cash prize for the best mascot.

By end of the night, everyone, no matter if they were drenched or dry, experienced the exciting sporting atmosphere at Kovsies that they’ve now become a part of.

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