Ghana National Association of the Deaf pays a courtesy visit to the College of Health Sciences, KNUST.
On the 15th of December 2023, a delegation from the Ghana National Association of the Deaf (GNAD) visited the College of Health Sciences (CHS), to formally introduce and advocate for the integration of a Ghanaian Sign Language Curriculum into the academic framework of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
The focal point of this educational initiative is centered on the College of Health Sciences which trains all students to be effective in Sign Language since they will be dealing with diverse patients after school, especially the deaf.
Prof. Christian Agyare, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, warmly welcomed and acknowledged their efforts in coming up with a book that will be published to equip people to use Sign Language effectively.
Juventus Duorinaah, the Executive Director of the Ghana National Association of the Deaf (GNAD) outlined the purpose of their visit, emphasizing the establishment of a committee to collaboratively refine a new curriculum that has been pre-determined by the Association. The ultimate goal is to ensure seamless integration of this curriculum into the academic system of KNUST, aligning it with the university's educational framework. Even though the initial curriculum did not match the standard of KNUST, the Association was willing to adapt the suggestions made by resource people in KNUST and revise it to fit into the Ghanaian Schools' academic system.
“The committee's formation signifies a progressive leap towards creating an educational environment that caters to diverse learning styles and ensures that every student, regardless of their hearing abilities, has equal access to knowledge”, he added.
This initiative reflects a broader commitment to breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity within higher education in Ghana. The resulting impact of learning Sign Language could extend beyond the walls of the College of Health Sciences, influencing educational practices and training on a National scale.
