‘For deaf seniors, it is essential to participate within the deaf community’

For deaf older people, it is essential to remain active, participate within the deaf community and be a part of the national association of the deaf. A testimonial from the Romanian National Association for the Deaf.

“Stay with the national association of the deaf, cherish it and help it to grow. Remember how important it is for members, employees and leaders to work together in order to support the Romanian National Association for the Deaf. There you feel like in a family, remember those who have created it and try to constantly develop what we have built”

Mrs. Petruta, Romania

These are the words of Mrs. Petruta, one of the participants at the first Conference for setting up the Romanian National Association for the Deaf, on 19th of July, 1953. In 1954 she was hired as an instructor-organiser at the Headquarters of the Romanian Association of the Deaf.

She admitted that it was not easy because she had no experience. She worked with hearing colleagues, who did not know the sign language, but she helped them a lot, compensating for the lack of experience in facilitating communication with the deaf people. She helped her colleagues to understand the deaf people, to understand their culture, to communicate to them.

She has participated in numerous experiences, she organised the first national contest at the Romanian Deaf Association, because cultural activities have always played an important role in her life.

Even after ten years working at the Association, she stayed in close contact with the members of the association and continued to be involved in activities and events organised by the Association, a place that is and will always be in her mind and soul.

Read also:

Access to sign language is a necessity for deaf seniors living in retirement homes!

Ageism and deafness: a Danish good practice example

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