Association of Sign Language Interpreters of Nigeria (ASLIN) on Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th September, 2022 with support from National Commission for Persons with Disabilities organized a 2 day workshop for sign language interpreters in Nigeria with the theme “Quality service delivery in the sign language interpreting profession in Nigeria”
Mr. Timothy Tinat, ASLIN, National president in his opening remark appreciated the Executive Secretary of National Commission for Persons with Disabilities for providing opportunity and platform for sign language interpreters in Nigeria to come and learn from other professional sign language interpreters from USA.
He also appreciated Sightsavers for their support in ensuring ASLIN held a rally to create awareness on the use of sign language. He also said: it is time for interpreters to wake up and build their capacity because it is not business as usual. Their capacity needs to be improved because they are a lot of responsibilities that awaits them as professionals in their work.
He said: they need to have knowledge of what they are doing and they do not have to practice under ignorance but rather practice with full knowledge and also improve in their line of profession.
“With almost 9million Deaf people in Nigeria, it is high time people start learning sign language so that it will go a long way to help the Deaf community in the society in line with the theme of this year’s international sign language week which says “sign language unites us”
Mr Lawrence Idemudia who represented the Executive Secretary, NCPWD, Mr. James David Lalu at the workshop said that sign language interpreters are supposed to be committed to their job and always give the best in their profession.
He said that the commission promising to carter for welfare and other necessities of sign language interpreters because as it involves their services of interpretation is concern they are putting in a lot of things because it is a service work and as professionals, they are committed to serve humanity especially when it has to do with effective delivery because there is a growing need for Nigerian sign language for easy communication for Deaf people in Nigeria.
The two resource persons from USA were Dr. Anthony Aramburos, former National President NAOBI USA and Ms Lisa Weems, Former President Washington DC NAOBI.
