SAUD AL ANSARI
MUSCAT, SEPT 25
Sultan Qaboos University hosted a special celebration of the International Day of Sign Language, held under the slogan: 'No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights'.
The event, held under the auspices of Her Highness Sayyidah Hujaija bint Jaifar al Said, brought together experts and researchers in the fields of hearing impairment and sign language, along with participants from the 'Sign Without Borders' initiative.
The initiative’s founder, Majid al Harthy, recalled the beginnings of the idea. “It started with a simple phrase among friends at Al Seeb beach: ‘Bring your chair and join us'. Today, the number of participants in the initiative has exceeded 1,700,” he said. He emphasised that this rapid growth reflects society’s eagerness to understand sign language and embrace the culture of the deaf community.
Mohammed al Araimi, who is deaf, gave a live interpretation provided by a professional interpreter. This moment formed a key highlight of the programme, offering the audience a direct experience of communication in sign language, filled with deep emotions and messages that conveyed both challenges and aspirations.
Adding an intellectual dimension, Hamad al Abri, an Arabic language teacher at Al Amal School for the Deaf, presented a talk on artificial intelligence and sign language. He discussed the potential for developing smart applications and tools to facilitate communication between the deaf and the wider community, stressing that modern technology can serve as a bridge for greater inclusion and participation.
Mahmoud al Habsi, a member of the deaf community, emphasised the importance of ensuring that persons with hearing disabilities are granted rights equal to those of hearing individuals. He noted that learning sign language is essential for all segments of society, as it plays a vital role in promoting inclusion and understanding.
The event concluded with the launch of the official logo of the 'Sign Without Borders' initiative, amid a festive atmosphere and strong audience engagement. Participants stressed the importance of raising awareness about the rights of people with hearing disabilities and promoting sign language as an essential part of the community’s identity.
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