Sign language used by the hearing impaired people in Kenya is probably as old as their history. However, documented use of the sign language can be traced to 1958 and the early 60's when the first schools and units for the deaf were established. Although the official policy then advocated for the use of speech reading, the learners the deaf learners used KSL among themselves both in class and other context.
In 1987, Dr Michael Ndurumo, a graduate of Gallaudet University came to Kenya and strongly advocated for the use of sign language, sign English and sign exact English in the education of hearing impaired in Kenya. A research conducted in 1986 in schools for the deaf revealed that the use of sign language was a better means of communication compared to the oral means of communication, an action that led to the development of the first draft of KSL for schools by Kenya Institute of Education (KIE) know Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).
In 1986 Machakos school for the deaf was started as a pilot school for total communication. In 1988, the government introduced the use of KSL and sign systems in all schools and units for the deaf in Kenya under the philosophy of total communication through the influence of Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), (KIE) and many others
Dr Michael is a great influencer and the right example of disability is not inability. His life is a journey showing strength and signs of never giving up. KUDOS DR MICHAEL
DID YOU KNOW: DR. MICHAEL NDURUMO IS DEAF BUT A RENOWNED PROFESSOR IN UoN.
this is great, i see an interest in learning it
ReplyDeleteVery resourceful
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