A Glimpse into a Quiet World: Understanding the Deaf Community by SUSS SEALS

A peer-led Singapore Sign Language workshop orchestrated by student Advocacy Group (AG) SUSS SEALS (Special Education and Accessible Learning Supporters) drew the active participation of 23 SUSS students.

_{After five lessons, the participants huddle together for a group photo, with new knowledge gained.}

The workshop, spanning five sessions, was spearheaded by Rosalind Foo, SUSS final year Counselling student, who is deaf. Assisting her were Latricia Tay and Liang Hui Quan, Year 4 Social Work students who fulfilled the roles of sign language interpreter and facilitator respectively. Notably, all three are pioneering members of SUSS SEALS.

_{Rosalind Foo teaching participants about unique sign names and how to sign them.}

_{Latricia Tay (left) assisting Rosalind Foo (right) to interpret Sign Language during a session.}

Participants in the workshop delved into the intricacies of sign language, learning essential elements such as alphabets, actions, emotions and pronouns. They even crafted their own sign names, facilitating introductions within the signing community. Through interactive quizzes and games which not only enhances engagement, attendees also solidified their newfound knowledge during the lessons.

_{Liang Hui Quan facilitating a sign language session.}

In a particularly enlightening finale, workshop facilitator, Rosalind Foo, invited Ms Chan Shimei, a certified Sign Language interpreter, to share more about the role of an interpreter. Ms Chan shed light on the vital role of interpreters, while Rosalind's friend who is deaf, added an interactive twist with a mini quiz for the participants. These valuable interactions served to further enrich the participants' learning experience.

<sub>With newfound knowledge, participants practise what they have learnt through a group activity.


In an engaging lesson, participants learn how to sign common words for daily use.</sub>

Angelin Xiao Mei Lee, SUSS Year 4 Social Work student, reflected, “The workshop was indeed educational and fun as I was able to learn more about the deaf culture. It helped me to increase my confidence in interacting with the deaf and enhance my appreciation for the deaf culture.”

Stay updated on future SEALS initiatives to promote inclusivity and accessibility for persons with disabilities (PWDs)!