Short seminars of two to six hours for security personnel have been found to significantly improve the understanding of the main characteristics of deafness, as well as the ability to communicate non-verbally, while learning basic sign language reduces the possibility of conflict, Georgios Markou deaf school director Kika Hadjikakou said on Tuesday.
Speaking at an event to mark World Hearing Day, celebrated on March 3, Hadjikakou said educating and training security forces was helpful in handling incidents and upholding the rights of individuals.
The event was organised by the deaf school, the Press and Information Office (PIO), the police and the fire brigade to cultivate awareness around deafness.
Six videos addressed to security officers and the public were shown during the event, focusing on the basic principles of communication with deaf people.
PIO director Aliki Stylianou said the communication was not seen as a simple process of transmitting messages, but as a dynamic field for connection, understanding and participation.
Head of the fire brigade Nikos Longinos said such events help enhance accessibility, security and equal treatment without any trace of discrimination.
He added that the videos, compiled with the help of the fire brigade, were not just training material, but a way to evolve, learn and adapt, so that every rescue mission is characterised by professionalism, respect and equality.
Head of the police academy Andreas Angelides said safety, information and protection were inalienable rights for all without exception.
To translate the principle into action, it was necessary to formulate accessible and inclusive services, he said.
In this context, he added, the police had upgraded its cooperation with the deaf school and other organisations to promote awareness around people with deafness, special communication needs and disabilities, thus cultivating a culture of respect and inclusion.
The event closed with a song in Cypriot sign language.
