A “Sign Language Ordinance,” aimed at recognizing sign language as a language and promoting its widespread use to help people with hearing disabilities live comfortably, was established in the prefectural assembly on the 20th. The prefecture plans to improve the consultation support system and work on training sign language interpreters. The “Sign Language Ordinance” passed and enacted on the 20th positions sign language as one of the languages and aims to promote its spread to realize an inclusive society where people with hearing disabilities can live comfortably. Specifically, the prefecture will ensure opportunities for people with hearing disabilities to learn sign language with their families from infancy and develop a seamless consultation support system. They will also conduct awareness-raising activities to promote understanding of sign language and ensure opportunities for residents to learn it. Furthermore, they will address the issue of a shortage of sign language interpreters and instructors. The ordinance will be enforced from April 1. According to the prefecture, sign language ordinances have already been enacted in 35 prefectures, but in the prefecture, they are limited to 15 municipalities, mainly in the Chikuho region, including Iizuka City. Fukuoka Prefecture intends to promote understanding and spread sign language throughout the prefecture by enacting the ordinance. Source: NHK
Stay informed with the latest Fukuoka & Kyushu news and events in English. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter today and never miss a beat. Opt out anytime, your privacy is our priority. Get the inside scoop with The Now
Summaries based on public content, errors may occur during translation. Images credited independently. Send feedback using this form.