The project Building Together the Deaf Roma Community was established to promote the rights, inclusion, and quality of life of Deaf Roma living in marginalized communities across Slovakia.
Many Deaf Roma face multiple forms of disadvantage. In addition to social exclusion, they encounter communication barriers and limited access to information, education, healthcare, and public services. Many do not use Slovak Sign Language and lack adequate support that would enable them to participate fully in society.
The project focused on mapping the needs of Deaf Roma, raising awareness of their situation, and strengthening cooperation among professionals, institutions, and communities. Through workshops, educational activities, and information materials, the project promoted a better understanding of hearing impairment within Roma communities and enhanced the capacities of professionals working with this target group.
The project also included a video awareness campaign, the development of professional educational materials, workshops held in various regions of Slovakia, and the collection of the first systematic data on Deaf Roma. The results of the project were presented to both professional audiences and the general public through a publication and a final conference.
At the same time, the project laid the foundation for further research, community-based, and advocacy activities aimed at protecting the linguistic and human rights of Deaf Roma. It also contributed to increasing the visibility of one of the least researched and least supported groups in Slovakia.
Together, we are building a community in which every person has the right to communication, information, education, and a life of dignity without barriers.
