Hearing-impaired in Kurdistan face challenges with limited resources and support, advocate says

SORAN — Hearing-impaired individuals in the Kurdistan Region continue to face challenges despite the International Day of Sign Languages, marked on Monday, highlighting their struggles. Limited educational resources, a lack of sign translators in government institutions, and poor awareness from families exacerbate the difficulties, according to Pewist Salim, manager of the Hearing Impaired and Visually Impaired section at the Daik Care Complex in Soran.

The newly opened Daik Care Complex in Soran, within the Erbil province, consists of six specialized buildings, including centers for hearing-impaired and visually-impaired individuals, an autism center, an orphanage, a nursing home, and a cultural center.

Salim pointed to communication barriers as the main issue for hearing-impaired individuals. “A key challenge for hearing-impaired individuals is the issue of lack of fully understanding which leads to various other difficulties, such as challenges in asserting their presence in society,” he told 964media.

“I know many cases where hearing-impaired people have asked for help using sign language, but instead of being understood, they were mistaken for being beggars,” he explained, underscoring the disconnect that often exists between hearing-impaired individuals and wider society. “The inability to convey their messages clearly is a frustrating obstacle for them.”

Salim also highlighted the lack of educational resources in the Kurdistan Region, including books and visual tutorials to help hearing-impaired individuals learn sign language. “There are limited resources to help them learn sign language or other vital skills,” he noted. “This shortage extends to educational materials that can help them learn more quickly and efficiently.”

He emphasized the role of families in supporting their hearing-impaired members. “Hearing-impaired individuals from more aware families are better equipped to deal with the issues they face, which allows them to lead more fulfilling lives, both mentally and socially,” he said.

Salim added that rural and remote areas are the most challenging for hearing-impaired individuals. “In urban areas, there are more specialized institutions for them, and families tend to be more aware of their needs. This contrasts with rural and remote areas where such support is limited.”

The hearing-impaired community also faces challenges when trying to establish families. “I know of cases where a hearing-impaired man proposed to a woman, but her family refused because of his impairment. This is one of the major issues,” Salim said.

He also noted that marriage is often difficult for hearing-impaired individuals because of the limited social spaces for them to meet others. “The lack of suitable spaces for the hearing-impaired to socialize has made it difficult for them to develop relationships that lead to marriage.”

Salim stressed the need for greater accessibility in government institutions, especially courts, where communication challenges are profound. “In courtrooms, it is impossible for a hearing-impaired person to present their case without proper sign translators,” he said. “Unlike hospitals, where a doctor may make a diagnosis without much communication, in legal settings, clear communication is essential.”

Concluding, Salim mentioned that social groups for hearing-impaired individuals have been forming in towns and cities across the region, often through social media. “They form these groups because they understand and respect each other’s struggles, and they can provide mutual support.”