In celebration of Deaf Awareness Month, Neema Foundation for the Deaf has launched a WhatsApp Chatbot, which is reachable on 060 019 1981.
It is a digital platform designed to provide the Deaf community with real-time access to vital information and services such as the police, safe homes/shelters, legal representation and psychosocial support.
This innovative platform, developed with the support of Africanbank and the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Response Fund1, represents a major leap in inclusivity and accessibility.
It marks a significant step toward providing real-time support and crucial information that is tailored to the needs of Deaf individuals.
“As a Foundation, we are committed to ensuring that the Deaf community is fully supported in every aspect of their lives. This platform will provide crucial assistance to Deaf victims of GBV, offering real-time help when it’s most needed,” said Itumeleng Motaung, Chairperson of Neema Foundation for the Deaf.
“Financial abuse is a harsh reality many Deaf individuals face, and the support from African Bank plays a pivotal role in addressing this issue, empowering the Deaf community to take control of their financial well-being,” she added.
The platform addresses a significant barrier faced by the Deaf community, which is the challenge of accessing essential services and information in a text-based and visual format that suits their needs.
Despite the recent recognition of South African Sign Language (SASL) as an official language, many vital communications remain inaccessible to Deaf individuals, highlighting the importance of this new platform.
The bank will also extend its offering to in-branch services tailored to deaf customers, ensuring a seamless and inclusive banking experience.
“Deaf customers will be able to access banking information, services, and financial literacy resources in SASL.
“This provides them with the tools to make informed financial decisions with the same level of privacy and independence as their hearing counterparts,” said Sbusiso Kumalo, the bank’s chief marketing officer.
This pilot project will be rolled out in selected branches on dedicated days, providing a seamless experience for deaf customers seeking financial guidance and services.
“The launch of this platform is a game-changer for the deaf community. We are grateful to our partners for helping us create a platform that protects and empowers this often-overlooked community,” Motaung said.