USAID’s sign language interpretation services foster inclusivity in Turkmenistan
The United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Governance Support Program (GSP) has successfully completed eight months of providing sign language interpretation services in Turkmenistan, supporting over 500 individuals throughout the country.
In June 2023, USAID’s GSP partnered with the Blind and Deaf Society of Turkmenistan (BDST) to establish the country’s first sign language interpretation services. Seven sign language interpreters have been providing free, on-call interpretation services at a number of government and public organizations for people with hearing impairments. These interpreters participated in USAID GSP’s six-week sign language interpretation program that was organized in collaboration with the BDST and with support from the Embassy of Malaysia in June 2022.
“I am infinitely grateful to USAID for enhancing our sign language interpretation skills and giving us the opportunity to help our hearing-impaired compatriots to access diverse services that will enable them to realize their full potential” a USAID-trained sign language interpreter working in the BDST Mary branch, Dane Hojalyyeva, said.
The interpreters have also conducted sign language interpretation consultations using USAID-prepared materials, helping many deaf and hard-of-hearing people improve their communication skills at no cost. To date, consultations facilitated by USAID have empowered over 70 individuals to communicate smoothly and have meaningful conversations with family, friends, and close ones in all provinces of the country.
“Through USAID’s Sign Language Interpretation Services, I could not only address immediate needs but also could strengthen family values and connections, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of hearing-impaired people and their loved ones,” a USAID-trained sign language interpreter working in the BDST Balkanabat branch, Mayagozel Annayeva, said.
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