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Uncovering the Concealed Challenges Faced by the Deaf-Blind Community in Rwanda

In a society where education holds the power to unlock opportunities and empower individuals, it is disheartening to acknowledge that the deaf-blind community in Rwanda continues to face restricted access to educational services. This overlooked group, consisting of children, youths, and adults, still experiences significant barriers to education.

The Deaf-blindness community in Rwanda encounters various obstacles that impact their overall welfare. It is of utmost importance for the Rwanda Organization of Persons with Deaf-Blindness (ROPDB) to bring attention o these critical concerns. As stated by ROPDB, the absence of acknowledgment of Deaf-Blindness as a distinct category intensifies the difficulties experienced by individuals within this community.

Mr. Musabyimana Joseph, the Executive Director of the Rwanda Organization of Persons with Deaf-Blindness emphasized the importance of the Rwandan government recognizing and responding to the distinct requirements of people who are Deaf-Blind, ensuring they receive the essential assistance, resources, and inclusive opportunities needed for their success.

According to Mr. Musabyimana, it is crucial to acknowledge and work together to guarantee equal educational opportunities and empower Deaf-Blind individuals to live meaningful lives.
On Friday, June 30, 2023, the spotlight was cast on the challenges faced by individuals who are both deaf and blind, as Rwanda observed the International Deafblindness Awareness Day under the theme "Deaf-blind Persons: Access to Communication."

According to the ROPDB, who focused on the theme of "Deaf-blind Persons: Access to Communication" they highlighted that the main difficulties faced by the deafblind community predominantly center around communication. This encompasses sign language, tactile sign language, and various other communication approaches employed by people with deafblindness.

Musabyimana Joseph, Executive Director Rwanda Organization of Persons with Deaf Blindness(ROPDB)

The International Day for Deaf-blindness has been celebrated annually in Rwanda since its initiation in 2012. This year's celebration marks the 13th occasion of observing this significant day in Rwanda.

Among the challenges faced by persons with deaf-blindness until today is the lack of recognition of this specific type of disability. We urge the government and other authorities to recognize and categorize deafblindness as a distinct disability. This will ensure that their rights are acknowledged and their unique needs are taken into consideration. Another challenge faced by individuals in this category is the lack of schools that can provide them with a formal education. Throughout the entire country, there are no schools that can accommodate individuals with deafblindness disabilities and allow them to receive education like everyone else, despite the fact that education is a right for all.

Available statistics show that more than 160 children who are deaf-blind who are not in school in Rwanda. ROPDB calls on the government to look for what it can do so as to have the schools of persons with deaf- blindness. In addition to the mentioned difficulties, individuals with deaf-blindness face exclusion and negative attitudes from both their families and the broader community where they reside.