In the Mykolaiv region, there will be a push for sign language to be taught in government institutions

In the Mykolaiv region, there are calls for staff at railway stations and other key facilities to learn sign language. Screenshot

In the Mykolaiv region, there are calls to teach sign language to staff at railway stations, bus stations and other institutions that provide essential services. This need is explained by both accessibility issues for people with hearing impairments and the increasing number of veterans with such conditions.

This was stated during a briefing by the adviser to the head of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration on disability issues, according to NikVesti.

According to her, the issue of sign language accessibility remains a pressing concern, particularly at bus stations, railway stations and other infrastructure facilities, where people with hearing impairments often find it difficult to obtain the necessary information.

At the same time, Olha Stepanenko noted that Ukrainian sign language is currently changing and shedding Russianisms.

«Sign language is also undergoing a transformation today. There used to be a lot of Russianisms in it. I’ve already noticed, having learnt a little, that many finger spelling letters are changing; they are being replaced by their Ukrainian equivalents,» she said.

At the same time, in her view, once this process is complete, staff at key institutions must master at least the basic sign language signs.

«Let this transformation continue for another year or so, and then we will insist that senior specialists at key infrastructure institutions learn at least basic sign language so that they can communicate with people with hearing impairments,» noted Olha Stepanenko.

She added that the issue of accessible communication is becoming even more pressing due to the increasing number of veterans returning from the war with partial or total hearing loss.

According to the advisor to the head of the Regional State Administration, the development of sign language and its promotion in state and municipal institutions should become one of the key areas in creating a barrier-free environment in Ukraine.

It is worth noting that a new service, «UTOG 24/7», has been launched in hospitals across the Mykolaiv region, providing round-the-clock access to a Ukrainian sign language interpreter.

It was previously reported that a sign language interpretation service has been introduced at the «Starosinna» bus station in Odesa. Using a QR code, passengers can contact an interpreter who will assist with ticket purchases. In addition, a sign language interpretation service for people with hearing impairments has been launched at tax office branches across the Mykolaiv region.