It is imperative for governments at all levels to enhance the welfare of hearing-impaired citizens and give them a sense of belonging by engaging the services of sign language interpreters at public functions.

The Chairman Association of Sign Language Interpreters of Nigeria, ASLIN, Ogun State Chapter, Mr Oluwaseyi Ogunbayo made the appeal at the association’s annual general meeting and inauguration of new executives held at the Centre for Persons Living with Disabilities, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta.

Mr Ogunbayo said the involvement of sign language interpreters in public functions would strengthen the support for the hearing-impaired community and attract the necessary recognition to their plights, especially at public gatherings.

In a remark, Director, Women Affairs and Rehabilitation Services, Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Funminiyi Emekama while applauding the efforts of sign language interpreters advised them adopt strategies and modern techniques to ensure that the hearing impaired individuals were not relegated by the society.

Highlights of the event included the induction of new members and decoration of honorary members, among whom was the State Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr Wale Olanrewaju.