Deaf advocates call for official recognition of Jamaican Sign Language

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Deaf advocates are calling for the official recognition of Jamaican Sign Language (JSL) and greater public understanding of deaf culture, following a forum hosted by the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Guild Council.

The forum, held on September 30, brought together more than 150 students, guests and members of the deaf community to discuss the importance of language recognition, accessibility and inclusion. The event also saw Member of Parliament for St Catherine Eastern, Denise Daley, donate $20,000 to the PAH! Deaf Dance Company.

In a press release on Friday, organisers highlighted calls from advocates for Jamaican Sign Language to be recognised as an official language, noting its importance to the country’s deaf community.