Welcome to CSLDL
Centre for Sign Language and Deaf Literacy!
Established in 2020 by a group of passionate Ghanaian intellectuals, CSLDL is a Deaf-centered NGO dedicated to empowering the Deaf community in Ghana. We recognised the pressing need for a supportive organisation that prioritises sign language training, Deaf literacy, and overall well-being.
As we navigate through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have come to realise the critical importance of bridging communication gaps and fostering Deaf empowerment. That’s why our team is committed to providing comprehensive programs and services to meet the unique needs of Deaf individuals.
Our core objectives include supporting the government in promoting the rights outlined in the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715) among Deaf citizens in Ghana. Through education and research, we aim to enhance the capacity and opportunities for growth within the Deaf community.
At CSLDL, we organise a wide range of programs encompassing social work, Deaf culture, and advocacy. By raising awareness, offering support, and championing the rights of Deaf individuals, we strive to create a more inclusive society.
We invite you to explore our website, where you’ll find valuable resources, information on our initiatives, and ways to get involved. Whether you are a member of the Deaf community, a supporter, or simply curious about our work, we welcome you to join us on this remarkable journey of empowerment and positive change.
Thank you for visiting CSLDL, and we look forward to working together to uplift the Deaf community in Ghana.
Warm regards,
Timothy Mac Hadjah
Founder, CSLDL – Center for Sign Language and Deaf Literacy
Service/What we do
DEAF EMPOWERMENT
Deaf empowerment is crucial in enabling individuals to achieve self-sufficiency and economic stability, just like anyone else. At CSLDL, our empowerment programs are specifically designed to equip the Deaf community with valuable skills that enable them to be self-employed or connect them with employment opportunities.
To achieve this, we collaborate with experts and professionals in various fields to provide conventional and contemporary literacy and skills training. Conventional literacy and skills encompass areas such as pottery making, agriculture, woodworking, and fashion, which provide practical and hands-on opportunities for self-employment and entrepreneurship.
In addition to traditional skills, we recognise the importance of contemporary literacy and skills in today’s world. Our programs also include academic literacy, computer literacy, hospitality management, and religious studies, offering Deaf individuals opportunities to excel in modern industries and professions.
By offering diverse literacy and skills training, we empower Deaf individuals to pursue their passions, enhance their employability, and become active contributors to the economy. Through our comprehensive empowerment programs, we strive to foster independence, economic stability, and equal opportunities for the Deaf community.
SIGN LANGUAGE EDUCATION
At CSLDL, we take immense pride in offering unparalleled Sign Language Tuition. Our dedicated team of Sign Language Teachers consists primarily of Deaf citizens who bring a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience to the classroom. We provide sign language classes at various levels, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. Our teaching program goes beyond Sign Language Vocabulary. We delve into the intricacies of syntax and the rich culture of the Deaf community. We emphasize teaching you to communicate like a Deaf individual, enabling you to be an interpreter or to engage fluently with Deaf individuals upon completing our program.
We offer comprehensive sign language training to various groups:
- Private and public institutions: We collaborate with these institutions to promote service accessibility. We offer training that equips staff members with sign language skills and consulting services to help these organizations better serve their deaf clients and customers, fostering a more inclusive and accessible environment for all.
- Individuals: We provide a wide range of classes and workshops for individuals interested in learning sign language, catering to personal and professional interests. We firmly believe that sign language is functional and enjoyable and can foster a sense of romance. It offers a unique form of security and protection, even for hearing individuals, in various settings such as the workplace, home, or public places. Sign language enables discreet communication, allowing individuals to express themselves quietly and from a distance. It proves invaluable in situations where noise must be minimized or when verbal communication might be disrupted. By learning sign language, individuals gain a powerful tool for effective and secret communication, enhancing their ability to connect and convey messages even in challenging environments.
- Regular primary schools: As part of schools’ extracurricular programs, we introduce sign language training to young students. By promoting inclusion from an early age, we aim to reshape the younger generation’s mindset, fostering understanding and empathy towards the Deaf community.
- Families with Deaf members: We provide sign language training to families, enabling them to communicate and engage in meaningful dialogue at home. This promotes stronger bonds and a supportive environment for Deaf individuals within their own families.
At CSLDL, our diverse sign language training programs promote accessibility, inclusion, and effective communication across different settings, empowering individuals and communities alike.
INTERPRETATION
At CSLDL, we offer flexible Sign Language Interpreting Services for events scheduled on weekdays, weekends, and public holidays. We provide comprehensive sign language interpretation services for a wide range of gatherings, including job interviews, lectures, meetings, seminars, workshops, and conferences. Our Sign Language Interpreters team comprises trained professionals with extensive experience and prioritize client needs. Feel free to contact us, communicate your requirements, and we will ensure you receive the highest quality services tailored to your specific needs.
TRANSLATION
CSLDL offers a comprehensive translation service that bridges the gap between written or video information and sign language. We are equipped to assist in accurately translating written documents or videos into sign language, ensuring effective communication for Deaf individuals. Our skilled team of translators combines their written and sign language expertise to deliver high-quality translations. Whether written materials, online content, or multimedia presentations, CSLDL is here to provide accessible and inclusive communication through sign language translations.
RESEARCH, CONFERENCE & PUBLICATIONS
We are dedicated to advancing the fields of linguistics and deaf studies within our country. Through research and academic initiatives, we aim to deepen our understanding of sign language, Deaf culture, and the experiences of the Deaf community. By promoting these areas of study, we contribute to the development of knowledge and the empowerment of the Deaf community.
Furthermore, we are committed to developing learning materials that cater to the unique needs of deaf children, focusing on enhancing their language development in sign language and proficiency in the official language of Ghana, English. These materials aim to foster effective communication and language acquisition, empowering deaf children to thrive in their education and beyond. Additionally, we aspire to create comprehensive sign language dictionaries that cater to diverse categories of learners, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in language education.
Our vision is to organize an annual international conference: DALaCC (Deaf African Language and Culture Conference). Such talks would provide a platform for scholars, professionals, and community members to come together, exchange insights, and advance the understanding and appreciation of Deaf African languages and cultures. We foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and promote cultural diversity through such gatherings.
At CSLDL, we are committed to driving positive change, promoting education, and fostering inclusivity by developing learning materials, academic pursuits, and international conferences. We strive to make a lasting impact on the lives of deaf individuals and the broader community.
FACILITY
Coming soon
- Library: Our public library is a treasure trove of resources dedicated to deaf history, sign language, and English learning materials. It serves as a valuable hub for knowledge and self-improvement, providing a wide range of materials to support educational and cultural exploration.
- Computer Lab: Our state-of-the-art computer lab is a dynamic space for research, learning, and teaching. Equipped with the latest technology, it offers a conducive environment for individuals to engage in academic pursuits, conduct research, and enhance their digital literacy skills.
- Sign Language Proficiency Assessment Unit: Our Sign Language Proficiency Assessment Unit plays a pivotal role in evaluating and measuring signers’ proficiency levels and skills. This assessment is valuable for individuals, interpreters, schools, and service providers as it provides a comprehensive understanding of a signer’s abilities, enabling tailored support and effective communication strategies.
- Deaf TV Station: We take great pride in our Deaf TV Station, which provides an employment opportunity for the deaf community while fostering inclusive media engagement. This platform allows deaf individuals to connect with television programming in a language they can fully comprehend, promoting cultural representation and accessibility in the media landscape.
At CSLDL, our comprehensive service facilities are designed to empower the deaf community, support their educational journey, and provide avenues for self-expression. We believe in creating inclusive spaces where knowledge, communication, and employment opportunities flourish.
TESTIMONIALS
Testimonials
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