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Post for June 11, 2018
Today we hit the road for Kiwoko, pronounced CHIwoko, and we were joined this time be Mrs. Deborah from the Uganda National Association of the Deaf. She is our connection to all of the places in our upcoming visits.
We first stopped at a tailor and craft school in the town called the Friends Community Development. It is a completely self-funded center for adults and children with hearing or speaking impairments. The training lasts for a maximum of 8 months. They use a poster of clothing styles to assist with communication when orders are being placed. When prices are being discussed, they use a phone to show the numbers.
From there, we went to two homes to meet with people who had difficulties with speech. What was interesting, and surprising, was the similarities between them. The first house had two young adults, a brother and a sister, who had malaria when they were younger. He seemed to understand very well and could also write somewhat but he didn’t speak. The sister couldn’t produce speech either. Their mother cited malaria as the cause.
The second home also had a woman who had normal development until contracting malaria at a young age. However, this woman was deaf and can sign. Her family, except for her two young children, could understand and sign with her. Mrs. Deborah asked her questions using sign language and the woman seemed very happy to see her.
I can’t help but feel slightly stunned at the prominence of malaria related health issues. I might be more attentive to my mosquito net tonight.
