Transparent masks for deaf people, sign language users |20 July 2020
Ms Gardner trying the mask
In order to keep ourselves safe from being infected by the coronavirus, we are being asked to wear face masks. But what about the deaf people in our community who rely on seeing the movement of lips to understand what is being said?
Samia Leon was approached by Anita Gardner, the chairperson of the Deaf Association, to design transparent masks for deaf people.
“I do a lot of sewing during my spare time and I took this opportunity during the COVID-19 to make masks as they are in great demand and also for me to make some extra cash. I am making masks for adults and children and selling them at R25 each,” said Ms Leon.
She said when she was approached by Ms Gardner, together they looked at different designs. “We looked at many models that were already on the internet made by deaf people and we made a few trial and error until I came up with a more comfortable one,” said Ms Leon.
The transparent masks are designed for deaf people and sign language users like interpreters or persons working with deaf people. However, Ms Leon noted that “there is one negative aspect with this type of mask because we use plastic and with humidity it may become wet, thus the masks cannot be worn for a long period of time. This model is a trial we will work to improve it.”
Ms Gardener added that “masks are not deaf friendly as deaf people communicate and learn through sign language.”
“Deaf people use hand signs combined with facial expressions to convey meaning and some depend on lip reading, so if you cut one of these aspects communication is lost. Wearing masks is becoming compulsory in public or group events so this will affect deaf people communication wise. We are supporting the department of health during the COVID-19 press conferences and we had to design a mask that we could use where the interpreter is not only protected but can also relay the message that she is interpreting so that deaf people can have access to information. I wish to thank Samia for making the masks.”
Ms Leon for her part noted that it is good that our community is looking into the welfare of deaf people.
Ms Gardner encourages all those working with deaf people to also wear one of these masks.
Vidya Gappy
