Technology has been instrumental in advancing human rights all over the world recently. Technology has given marginalized communities more power and helped close the gaps that prevent their participation in society, from promoting freedom of speech to improving access to education.
One such group is the deaf community, which frequently encounters numerous obstacles in daily life.
Deaf people’s access to information, communication, and education has been revolutionized in Turkey as a result of the intersection of technology and human rights.
The challenges that still exist are highlighted in this article, along with the technological advancements that have helped Turkey’s deaf community become more empowered.
The Digital Age: A New Era for Deaf Communication
Due to limited accessibility and the hearing majority’s ignorance, the deaf community in Turkey has long struggled to communicate effectively.
However, the development of digital technologies has resulted in a paradigm shift that makes it possible for deaf people to communicate more freely and openly.
The introduction of video remote interpreting (VRI) and video relay services (VRS) is one of the most important developments in this area.
Through the use of an interpreter, VRS enables deaf people to make phone calls using sign language.
The interpreter then translates the sign language into spoken language for the hearing party.
In Turkey, this technology has transformed how the deaf communicate, enabling them to easily interact with hearing people for both personal and professional reasons.
Contrarily, VRI offers real-time interpreting services via video conferencing, allowing hearing-impaired people to take part in previously inaccessible meetings, conferences, and events.
Additionally, social media and mobile apps have developed into effective tools for deaf people to connect with others, express themselves, and spread awareness of their struggles.
A new generation of deaf influencers has emerged thanks to apps like Instagram and TikTok who share their stories, culture, and accomplishments with a large audience.
In addition to fostering a sense of community, these digital spaces have pushed back against societal perceptions and deafness stereotypes.
Education and e-Learning: Breaking Down Barriers
Technology has been instrumental in ensuring that deaf people in Turkey have equal access to education, which is a fundamental human right.
In the past, the educational system has found it difficult to meet the unique needs of deaf students, which has frequently resulted in fewer educational opportunities and barriers to higher education.
These barriers have begun to fall, though, as a result of technology integration.
Deaf students now have access to educational materials in sign language thanks to online learning platforms and educational software, making learning more inclusive for them.
Additionally, improvements in captioning and subtitling technologies have improved deaf people’s understanding and knowledge retention by making educational videos and online courses accessible to them.
Universities and educational establishments in Turkey have recently begun to offer specialized courses in sign language interpretation and deaf studies.
These programs not only empower the deaf community by giving them the abilities and information required for career advancement, but they also help alter societal perceptions and encourage inclusivity.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
Although there is no denying that technology has improved the lives of Turkey’s deaf population, there are still a number of problems and room for growth.
The first thing that needs to be done is to improve accessibility in public areas and services.
Even though technology has made it easier for deaf people to communicate, many public institutions, such as courts, hospitals, and transportation systems, still do not provide the necessary accommodations, such as sign language interpreters or captioning services.
For the deaf community to be fully included and involved, equal access to essential services must be provided.
Secondly, there is a digital divide within the deaf community itself.
While some people have access to the most recent technologies, such as smartphones and high-speed internet, others, particularly those who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, might not.
To ensure that all deaf people can benefit from technological advancements, this digital divide must be closed.
Additionally, there is a need for ongoing study and development in fields like automatic translation and sign language recognition.
Despite advancements, real-time translation between spoken language and sign language is still difficult to do accurately and reliably.
Communication between deaf and hearing people would be greatly improved, and their integration into various facets of society would be facilitated by spending money on research and development in this area.
Conclusion
A new era for deaf people in Turkey has begun as a result of the intersection of technology and human rights.
Technology has acted as a catalyst for change and empowerment, improving communication and access to education as well as representation and awareness.
Even though there are still obstacles to be cleared, the progress made so far exemplifies the enormous potential of technology in promoting inclusivity, equality, and human rights for the deaf community.
In order to improve accessibility and opportunities for deaf people in Turkey, it is critical for stakeholders, including the government, educational institutions, and technology developers, to keep working together and investing in projects.
By doing this, we can work to create a society in which everyone, regardless of hearing ability, can fully participate and thrive.
For those who are looking for additional support, Unspoken Language Services offers interpreting services to help bridge the communication gap between the deaf and hearing communities.
Thumbnail Credit: Photo by Tania.Paz
