Deaf students in Malay universities find a voice
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Imagine not being able to hear a single word as your teacher gives lessons in class. You strain to lip-read as you scribble down whatever is projected on the screen.
To avoid lagging in studies, you borrow your friends’ notes and later consult your teacher about the lesson, using a pen and paper to communicate.
This is what a typical day is like for many university students in Malaysia.
Fakhrul Razzi, 24, who has just completed a diploma in Business Management, shares the problems he faced as the only hearing-impaired student in his public university.
“Sometimes, lecturers teach without visual aids because it is an inconvenience to prepare the material. This means I have to approach my classmates for help or else I will be left behind,” Fakhrul said.
The lack of basic infrastructure like LCD projectors in classrooms also hampers learning for the deaf.
Fakhrul, who mostly communicates with his classmates through writing, said interacting and socialising were among the hardest challenges he faced as a student.
“It is difficult to keep up with my friends who can hear, but I take it in my stride,” he said in relation to things that were lost in translation.
Fakhrul rarely uses the free sign-language interpreting service provided by the Malaysian Federation of the Deaf (MFD) because he would have to bear the interpreter’s travel costs. Besides, few interpreters are available on short notice.
“Universities should strive to provide interpreters, or at least notes, LCD projectors and PowerPoint slides for disabled students,” said Fakhrul, who one day hopes to open his own advertising and marketing company.
Even though deaf students are faced with many barriers, they can still overcome hurdles and do well in school.
“There are those who manage to be on the Dean’s list. We also have two deaf students who are currently pursuing their Master’s degree,” MFD president Mohamad Sazali Shaari said.
The MFD also advocates for facilities for the deaf in universities.
“Ideally, there should be an availability of interpreters and facilities such as Internet connections and video chat services for the deaf,” Sazali added.
“There is a need for English interpreters as many classes are conducted in English,” said Farhan Kamarzaman, 23, a deaf student currently pursuing his diploma in the Multimedia University.
When it comes to seeking higher education, the deaf are left in a dilemma.
“Sign-language interpreters need to be at a higher level or on par with the deaf student. For example, a deaf PhD student requires an interpreter with similar qualifications.
“The interpreter needs to have proficiency of language and specific knowledge to interpret for conferences and research. It is hard to find someone suitable to fulfil this criteria,” Sazali said.
Despite all obstacles, the deaf have come a long way in overcoming their disability.
“We have deaf individuals working both the public and private sectors. Many have good positions in their respective industries,” Sazali says with a smile.
