Cursory: Iddrisu Mariam Aziz, a second-year student at the University of Ghana, is a skilled sign language interpreter who has worked with prominent figures and organizations. Growing up with hearing-impaired parents, Aziz acted as a vital connection between the deaf community and the hearing world. Aziz highlights the opportunities and financial rewards her work brings while advocating for sign language learning to break stereotypes and foster inclusive communication.
Iddrisu Mariam Aziz, currently studying at the University of Ghana, has been involved in sign language interpretation since her teenage years and has acquired expertise in this field.
Starting from the age of 14, Aziz has provided interpretation services for various respected organizations and individuals, including former President John Dramani Mahama during his campaign tours.
In an interview with YEN.com.gh, Aziz shared that she was born into the practice as both of her parents are hearing impaired, and thus she had to act as the intermediary between them and the general public from a young age.
“Watching them struggle to liaise with people in terms of communication was frustrating for both my parents and the people they engage on daily bases. As time passed I had to gradually become the liaison between my parents and the people they engage with,” she said.
In addition to her responsibilities as a liaison for her parents, Aziz also became a liaison for the Deaf Association, accompanying them as an interpreter during their travels.
This involvement provided her with the opportunity to meet Hon Seidu Maha, the Bono regional organizer of the NDC office in Sunyani, and subsequently, former President John Dramani Mahama.
Impressed by Aziz’s dedication to serving the deaf community, Mahama invited her to join the NDC’s campaign tour as a sign language interpreter, which marked the beginning of her official journey in that role at the age of 14.
Aziz stated that her work has opened numerous doors for her and has been financially rewarding as well.
Aziz expressed the importance of people learning the fundamentals of sign language, not only for the financial advantages but also to recognize that communication involves both spoken words and hand gestures.
By gaining this understanding, she believes that the stereotypes surrounding individuals with hearing impairments can be eliminated.
In her words:
“Aside from the financial benefits, I will entreat people to take it upon themselves to learn the basics of sign language because the mouth is not the only medium to communicate but hands too is another medium. With this understanding, the stereotype around hearing-impaired people will stop.”
Source: yen.com.gh
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