The United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Governance Support Program (GSP) organized a study tour to Kazakhstan for six sign language interpreters from the Blind and Deaf Society of Turkmenistan (BDST). This tour, held from April 12 to 22, aimed to enhance the skills and capacity of the interpreters to provide enhanced sign language interpretation services for individuals with hearing impairments in Turkmenistan.

In efforts to ensure inclusivity and accessibility across all sectors, USAID GSP partnered with BDST to launch Sign Language Interpretation Services in June 2023. Since then, seven sign language interpreters have been providing interpretation services, facilitating communication between people with hearing impairments and government institutions in each province of the country. Through these services, hundreds of people with hearing impairments have been able to navigate the paperwork of government agencies, enroll in higher education, obtain jobs, travel abroad, etc. Moreover, these interpreters have expanded the scope of their work by offering free consultations to more than 70 interested people and raising the level of sign language proficiency among ordinary citizens.

Recognizing the invaluable contribution of these interpreters, USAID GSP extended its support by organizing an exchange program with the Public Association of Deaf “Zhasnur” in Kazakhstan. During their visit, interpreters from all provinces of Turkmenistan received intensive training in sign language, covering topics on sign language dactylology, fingerprint writing, linguistics of sign language, translation theory and practice, sign translation in different sociocultural contexts, as well as specific techniques for television, dispatch services, and online communication.

During the tour, participants also visited various local institutions in Astana, including the Department of Employment and Social Protection, the Employment Center, and the NGO AST Astana Social Technologies. During meetings with local representatives, they engaged in reverse translation exercises, gaining valuable hands-on experience.

The interpreters will apply the newfound skills and knowledge in their daily work and share best practices with their colleagues in Turkmenistan to better serve the needs of their compatriots with hearing impairments. This initiative further underscores USAID's support to the Government of Turkmenistan in ensuring equal opportunities and engagement of all members of society.

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