This file photo shows a sign language interpreter signing a press briefing at the administrative city of Sejong on Dec 2, 2019. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Feb. 13 (Korea Bizwire) — For persons with hearing disabilities, the contactless culture brought about by the pandemic has been another obstacle to overcome.
While social discretion and interest toward people who are hearing impaired have increased, leading to the introduction of lip-view masks and interpretation services for sign language, the obstacles they face continue to be formidable.
Hearing disabilities extend beyond not being able to hear. They also affect the person’s ability to learn language.
“Those who have never had the chance to hear what the Korean language sounds like barely know how to read or write their own names,” said Min Kyeong-jun, a 46-year-old sign language interpreter who has worked in the field for 21 years.
A 46-year-old woman Lee Eun-kyung started losing her hearing after reaching adulthood.
She now depends on an artificial cochlear to hear. It is now very important for her to look at a person’s lips when engaging in conversation.
“It’s very difficult for me to hear someone call my name at the hospital. I’ve missed my turn many times because of that,” Lee said.
They ask that so-called “universal design,” a design ethos that strives to make buildings, products and environments accessible to people regardless of age, disabilities or other factors, be more inclusive of those with hearing disabilities.
Current universal design focuses on dismantling physical barriers in terms of usage, space and size. It has yet to reflect the language barrier faced by those with hearing disabilities.
“Various contactless systems that have been on the rise since the pandemic must consider the accessibility of persons with disabilities,” a disability advocacy group said.
H. M. Kang (hmkang@koreabizwire.com)
