Manya Alice is a Deaf teacher at Model Science Primary school Mabudi in Langtang South Local Government of Plateau state. She became deaf as a result of illness when she was a child.
This single lady attended Primary and Secondary school at School for the Deaf Bassa, in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. And in 2018, She got admission into College of Education Pankshin, where She read Special Education CRS at NCE level.
She had a chat with our correspondents when they visited her school and she shared some of the challenges she is facing as a teacher with hearing impairment.
TQM. What are some of the problems you face as a teaching staff in this school?
I am facing communication problem, especially with other staffs. But with my students, as they learn, we communicate better.
TQM. If you are to advise the school or government, what would your advice be with regard to the communication difficulty you talked about?
An interpreter should be employed, who would bridge the gap between the non-hearing impaired staff and students on one hand and the hearing impaired staff and students on the other hand. This would better the socialization of the two sides.
TQM. As a teacher of students with hearing impairment, what would you say are their challenges in this School?
The students lack learning materials, which most of the parents are not willing or unable to provide. And because, other students with hearing impairment are not in the place, they lack partners to practice sign language with, especially after school hours, and this slowed their learning capacity.
TQM. As a deaf person, have your rights been abused as a result of your disability?
l have not experience that.
TQM. What other activities do you do, apart from your engagement as a teacher?
I am into a little farming.
TQM. Have ever gotten or seek for support to expand you little farming into a big one?
No
TQM. What will your request be to the government and other individuals?
I am requesting for financial and materials support to do more of my farming and possibly start another line of business.
TQM. Thank you for talking with us.
