Colombian deaf students in television production
Manuel Guillermo Cruz Rendón, Disnnet 524,
August 21, 2002 (disnetco@yahoo.com)
A new advance in the process of making communication accessible that will further social inclusion of persons with disabilities, can be found in Colombia, where five deaf students have become part of the Integrated Television Program sponsored by Fundación Escuela Superior de Periodismo Profesional INPAHU (The Foundation of Higher Education Journalism School).
The five deaf students attend classes in equal conditions with respect to their hearing classmates. "The only difference", says Guillermo Olarte, "is that deaf students are accompanied by their interpreters, which is paid by them."
Mr. Olarte began this inclusive education program, and he says: "I had an interview with Senator Jairo Clopatofsky, at the inauguration ceremony of the Closed Caption System which allows deaf persons to access television. There I told participants about my concern of having deaf students working in a program where I serve as Advisor. The Senator suggested that I should speak with INSOR. That was the beginning of this initiative."
"During the first weeks of classes, they became familiar with the regular production work at the station. They even sang the National Anthem with such rhythm, modulation and synchronicity that their hearing companions were amazed. "Their non-verbal language allows us to perceive how they laugh and share openly," says the Program Director.
The Television Production Program lasts 6 semesters. The experience has been positive so far. Program Advisers hope to evaluate the program by the end of this year and to improve its development.
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