Johannesburg, 02 Sep 2016
Whatever hearing people can do in the world of technology, the hearing-impaired can do too, stated eDeaf learner Thabo Mokewena on August 23, 2016 during a visit from Microsoft Gold Partner Mint Management Technologies to the deaf-empowerment facility in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
This statement reflects the striking contributions that have been made by the deaf community across fields and industries, notes Mint HR Executive Lauren Clark.
The inspiration, drive and eagerness to learn that drove many successful hearing-impaired people to achieve greatness was evident in the learners of the eDeaf community during Mint's recent site visit. Both Mint's IT Manager Riaan Strydom and Quality and Architecture Delivery Discipline Head Oliver Smit provided learners with a glimpse into the life of an IT professional as well as the innovation and changes taking place in the industry.
"Mint supports a funded learnership at the eDeaf facility with ten learners through both knowledge sharing and financial assistance, thereby, enabling them to build their careers and gain exposure to the various career possibilities in IT," states Clark.
eDeaf offers several training courses and learnership programs to empower deaf communities for business and Mint has identified the facility as one of its preferred programmes to form part of its social responsibility arm DotUnity.
"From our experience with learners at the eDeaf facility we know first-hand the skills, drive and knowledge that these learners comprise and the difference they can make in organisations. Therefore, we aim to excite and empower them with the tools to enter the IT community and make a difference in the world of technology," Clark adds.
She highlights a common concern raised by students at the centre who feel that companies are hesitant to employ IT graduates from the deaf community, owing to a lack of understanding around the deaf culture as well as the communication adaptation needed to see to their needs.
Clark explains, however, that many large-to-medium enterprises have resources and infrastructure available to facilitate hard-of hearing employees. "Some South African companies are also currently running programs to expose employees to sign language in order for them to assist deaf clients."
Shoprite Group's Decade of the Deaf project in partnership with eDeaf is another example of an organisation making a difference. The group provided 400 jobs to the hearing-impaired in 2015 and aims to create a 1000 within a 10-year period.
Drawing from this inspiration, Clark notes that the IT community needs to form part of these initiatives and employ and empower the hearing-impaired. "We can gain so much insight and innovation from the deaf community and need to collaborate and encourage empowerment initiatives."
Deaf community eager to make a difference in IT
During Mint's site visit to eDeaf, students emphasised that the IT industry is very accessible to the deaf community as they use their eyes to work. They also shared stories of how their interest in IT came about, the contributions they wish to make, and how the eDeaf centre has provided them with the courage to believe in themselves.
To further encourage job creation and innovation for the deaf community, Mint challenged the students to invent or recommend a technological innovation that would change the way deaf people can work and integrate into organisations.
"We, together with the IT industry, want to learn from these students, see how they view the world of technology and identify innovations that would enable them to enjoy quality employment. Together we need to educate, empower and employ the deaf community."
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