DEAFSA

DEAFSA, formerly known as the South African National Council for the Deaf, was founded in 1929 and is a co-ordinating, umbrella organization which facilitates services to the South African Deaf and hard of hearing communities. DEAFSA currently has 9 affiliated Deaf Provincial Federations (DPF) throughout South Africa. DEAFSA's constitution and activities are aimed at all people who are affected by a hearing loss.

DEAFSA's ACTIVITIES

The following objectives form the basis towards which all DEAFSA's activities are geared:

• To develop and maintain grassroots structures and projects for the Empowerment of Deaf people on a National, provincial or local level
• To assist and guide in the formation of Deaf Provincial Federations (DPF)
• To promote the recognition of Sign Language as the official language used by Deaf people in South Africa
• To develop curricula and training in South African Sign Language and Interpreter services and to establish and maintain standards of Sign Language training and interpreter services
• To be the official representation channel between members of DEAFSA and the government for the purposes of the equalization of opportunities and full participation and integration of Deaf people in society
• To co-operate with government in all measures concerning the human rights of Deaf people and to ensure that the human rights and welfare of Deaf people are reflected in all government legislation
• To educate the public and promote public awareness of Deaf people and deafness by disseminating information and research findings
• To investigate the living and accessibility conditions of Deaf people in South Africa and to observe, address, protect and promote the human rights of all Deaf people in all spheres
• To promote Deaf awareness, Deaf culture and life skills amongst Deaf people to enable them to become self-assertive and empowered
• To promote research and training programmes to meet the specific needs of the Deaf community.
• To research any question or proposal concerning the causes of deafness and the education, training, employment and well being of Deaf people
• To raise funds and to market services and/or projects aimed at Deaf people to the general public
• To co-operate with all national and international organizations of the Deaf, hard of hearing, schools for the Deaf and other disabled groups

For more information contact DEAFSA at: The Bastion of the Deaf, cnr Thicket & Hemlock Roads, Newlands P.O. Box 226, Newlands 7725 Tel: (021) 683 4665/6 Fax: (021) 671 2644 TTY: (021) 683 4665 Provincial Director: Jeanne van Eyssen E-mail: deafsa2@iafrica.com Contact Person: Mrs L Viljoen