Godfrey Kimono
3 June 2008
Kampala — PEOPLE with disabilities have asked the health ministry to train health workers in sign language and recruit interpreters to help deaf expectant mothers access information, especially during antenatal services.
Safia Nalule Juuko, an MP for the disabled, said disabled women could not access quality services because they could not express themselves.
"Let there be at least one sign language interpreter at a health centre, so as to enable people with disabilities, especially the deaf, to access information."
Juuko made the appeal on Saturday during a two-day consultative workshop for disabled persons held at Exotic Inn, Kampala.
The conference drew participants from Kampala, Kalangala, Kiboga, Nakaseke, Rakai and Mubende.
Juuko said the breakdown in communication affected the deaf women most during childbirth.She said hospitals should procure adjustable beds to cater for lame mothers.
The MP's remarks followed a complaint by a participant that midwives rudely order them to climb labour beds even when they can not. "How did you climb when conceiving?" the participant quoted the midwives as asking.
Alex Ndeezi, another MP for the disabled, said interpreters should also be positioned at health centres to help patients with hearing disabilities.
"The public should know that the disabled, just like any other person, need to express themselves freely. Therefore, they need to access medical and other services through these interpreters."
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