Sign Language programs

Sign Language Programming grew in response to children seeing a poster of the Zambian Sign Language (ZSL) posted in the library. As word spread in the community, deaf children and their family members came to the library and a volunteer sign language interpreter began offering a signed storytime three times a week. Basic sign language instruction is also offered to hearing children and deaf children, many of whom are out-of-school. This program has sparked great interest in Zambian Sign Language among hearing children, library staff members, community members and volunteers, creating a more inclusive environment in which deaf children are welcomed into all of the libraries’ programs and experience improved communication. Targeted resources for deaf children in the libraries include Zambian Sign Language dictionaries, both print and electronic, and hundreds of titles in Lubuto collections that promote awareness of and positive attitudes towards people with disabilities.