Rwanda: Persons with deaf-blindness continue struggling with the absence of adapted schools

The Rwanda Organization of Persons with Deaf-Blindness (ROPDB), continues to advocate for individuals with deaf-blindness, highlighting significant gaps in services, particularly in education and healthcare. The organization is calling for the recognition of this group as a distinct category to enable faster and more effective advocacy.

Individuals with deaf-blindness were previously grouped under the fifth category of persons with disabilities in Rwanda, classified simply as “Others.” The 2022 national population and housing census did not capture specific data on those with multiple disabilities. However, ROPDB, through its own research in five districts across the country, identified approximately 400 individuals with such disabilities.

None of these individuals have accessed formal education because there are no schools in Rwanda designed to accommodate them. Additionally, there are no teachers trained to support them, nor are there learning materials adapted to their needs. Current materials developed by the Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) cater to other types of disabilities but exclude this specific group.

Beyond education, healthcare poses significant challenges. ROPDB’s Executive Director, Joseph Musabyimana, revealed that some members, especially children, suffer from mental health conditions requiring expensive medication not covered by Rwanda’s community-based health insurance (Mutuelle de Santé).

Communication barriers further complicate healthcare access. Deaf-blind individuals rely on tactile sign language, but only a few people in the country are proficient in it. This often leads to misdiagnosis or incorrect treatment when they seek medical services.

Most individuals with deaf-blindness are unaware of available services. Without education, they are excluded from employment opportunities and struggle to achieve social well-being. They are also left behind in entrepreneurship and income-generating projects. As Rwanda transitions to digital platforms for public services, this group risks further marginalization.

Call for Distinct Recognition

Musabyimana emphasized the need to recognize deaf-blindness as a distinct category. This would allow for tailored interventions to improve their quality of life.

“We want this group to be officially recognized. Whether in healthcare or general welfare, they should receive specialized attention. In education, they should be taught in ways unique to their needs,” Musabyimana stated.

While Rwanda has inclusive education for other disabilities, those with deaf-blindness require individualized support, with each child needing their own teacher. They cannot learn alongside other children without interpreters, and ROPDB has only trained 22 interpreters so far, including parents of affected children.

Struggles of parents and individuals

Jeannette Musabeyezu, a mother from Kicukiro District, explained the challenges of raising her child with deaf-blindness.

“Since I gave birth in 2012, I had to quit my job. I’ve spoken to many parents facing the same issue. These children need help with everything, but the biggest challenge is their inability to access education, which is a right for every Rwandan child,” she said.

Naomey Uwizeyimana, a deaf-blind individual from Gisagara District, also shared her struggles through her interpreter, Claudine Murekatete. She highlighted issues such as lack of education, exclusion from places of worship, and inadequate menstrual hygiene products for adolescent girls. When seeking medical care, the absence of interpreters often leaves them without proper treatment.

“Parents often confine their children at home due to poverty. If our category is recognized, people will learn how to communicate with us, and we might finally access education and other services to address our challenges,” Uwizeyimana said.

Recognizing a specific category of disability requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including the Ministries of Health, and Justice. During a meeting with ROPDB and its partners, Wibabara Charity, Head of the International Justice and Judicial Cooperation Department, assured attendees that the government is working to address the issue.

“Today, we’ve understood their challenges. As government, we will work with other institutions and partners to find solutions for these issues,” Wibabara stated.

In 2022, Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente promised the Senate that education for individuals with deaf-blindness would be prioritized. However, the community is still waiting for concrete action to transform their lives.