Sign of the times- disability politics

(JB) Political debates could be conducted in sign language in future under plans to make the country more accessible for people with disabilities.

The announcement was made during a Chamber of Deputies debate on the UN treaty on the rights of people with disabilities.

The treaty was ratified on Wednesday, a process that was communicated in sign language and, in the coming months, ministers will present an action plan outlining new measures.

LSAP minister Claudia Dall'Agnol said: “This shouldn't be the first time that a debate has been communicated in sign language, but it is. Every debate or conference should be systematically translated via sign language.”

The treaty focused mainly on making the country and its politics more accessible for people with disabilities, tackling prejudice and on giving those affected by a disability greater autonomy over their lives.

A number of concrete suggestions were put forward during the debate, touching on raising awareness and ensuring social inclusion as early as possible in places like schools and playgroups.

With the forthcoming communal elections, DP deputy Xavier Bettel highlighted accessibility issues for those wishing to vote on October 9. He said: “We must make sure that all polling stations are accessible for everyone.”

As part of the scheme, the capital is currently offering lessons in sign language.