There needs to be more interpreters and sign language experts present at polling stations to assist deaf people and people with disabilities to understand the processes better and participate well in the elections.
While speaking on behalf of the Fiji Association of the Deaf during the Elections Disability Access Working Group, Manager Tuliana Waibuta says they have a very diverse community, organizations and persons with disabilities therefore they must work in collaboration with the Fijian Elections Office to effectively approach and support people with disabilities.
She says one of the challenges experienced by deaf people during the elections is communication as there are jargon used which are not well understood by the deaf community.
Waibuta further says there also needs to be pictorials such as reading materials, drawings and charts so that deaf people can understand things better through visuals.
The Officer Manager also says that having information out on social media and interpreters present on various platforms helps people with disabilities to know information and gain knowledge about the electoral processes way before the elections.
FEO Director Corporate Services Sanjeshwar Ram says the main aim of this workshop is to provide persons with disabilities a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental ideas, procedures and processes involved in the elections.
He says this is also for EDAWG members to collaborate effectively with the FEO so that everyone's voices are heard supporting the communities to foster networking and trust promoting inclusivity.
