Deaf people from diverse backgrounds need to interact with each other within the Deaf community. In this community, they are part of the same Deaf culture where they can use sign language. Hearing people are also required to know how to sign if they need to be part of the Deaf community. In Rwanda, there are schools for the Deaf, associations for the Deaf and other opportunities which are offered to them, but hearing people are excluded from these institutions because they don’t know Rwandan sign language. The Deaf culture is for both Deaf and hearing people who respond to this criterion. Rwandans still need to learn a new way of conceptualizing deafness within and outside the Deaf community. The Deaf person deserves to be conceptualized in terms of Deafhood and not as hearing impaired. This new way of conceptualizing the Deaf culture may contribute to the adjustment of Rwandans’ daily practices.

The present module is designed for filling in this gap. You will learn about deafness, Deafhood and Deaf culture. You will be equipped with knowledge and skills which will guide you in your trajectory to Deaf culture. This may lead you to change your perception about deafness. You will learn the new concept of Deafhood which is compatible with the social viewpoint of deafness.