ComDRS, PAIDE collaborate to empower future healthcare providers in deaf communication

The Community Development and Research Society (ComDRS), representing PLM College of Medicine in the Asian Medical Students' Association-Philippines (AMSA-Philippines), recently conducted a seminar-workshop entitled “Another Language of Hearing: A Deaf Awareness Seminar and Basic Medical Sign Language Workshop” at Gusaling Bagatsing AVR, April 13. 

In collaboration with the Philippine Association of Interpreters for Deaf Empowerment (PAIDE), the event aimed to empower future healthcare providers to communicate effectively with patients who have hearing disabilities.

The seminar-workshop, through the members of PAIDE, emphasized the importance of understanding American Sign Language (ASL) and Filipino Sign Language (FSL) as means of communication for the Deaf community.

Led by experts in Deaf culture and communication from PAIDE, practical skills and knowledge were imparted through interactive sessions and demonstrations; attendees were able to learn basic sign languages such as the English alphabet, numbers, common greetings, colors, emotions, and medical terms. Students from the PLM College of Medicine and CEU School of Medicine, gained valuable insights about Deaf culture as well as effective communication strategies crucial for fostering inclusivity and understanding.

ComDRS President Jessa Kristina Colambo also emphasized the need for accessibility and accommodation in various settings, including healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and public spaces.

"We're advocating for inclusivity. Hindi naman parang inside the box lang yung thinking natin dito,” she said."

The seminar-workshop concluded with the hope that more individuals will prioritize accessibility and inclusion for the Deaf community through promoting education and training in sign language interpretation.

"We have training talaga for kahit sino, doctor or sinong gusto mong mag-aral. Especially doon sa mga gusto mag-serve sa deaf," said PAIDE Interpreter Michael Potian, as he encourages future healthcare providers to be advocates that bridge communication gaps.