Fanie Dreams

COMMUNICATION IS A HUMAN RIGHT

Fanie Dreams shares the concern that, in South Africa, only South African Sign Language (SASL) interpreters are officially recognised and accepted as communication facilitators during formal interactions.

Other forms of communication support, such as note-taking, lip speaking, whisper interpreting, captioning, assistive listening systems, speech-to-text translation, and voice-over processes, continue to exist mostly on an informal basis. This remains a serious concern.

These alternative methods of communication provide essential communication access and support inclusion, participation, dignity, and equal opportunity.

Discrimination against alternative methods of communication must be addressed. Every person has the right to information and communication, irrespective of the communication method they use.

Together, we can promote this global right in line with Articles 1, 2, 9 and 21 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006).

WHERE THESE SERVICES CAN BE USED:

• Meetings and workshops
• Conferences and seminars
• Schools and universities
• Medical appointments
• Religious services
• Court proceedings
• Public events and gatherings
• Informal conversations and daily life

“When we make communication accessible, we open the door to opportunity for everyone.”

Fanie Dreams
www.faniedreams.org.za
[email protected]

COMMUNICATION FACILITATORS
The following support is relevant to persons who are hearing impaired or deaf who rely on spoken communication. However, it is always important to ask what communication support the individual prefers.

Whisper Interpreting
A Whisper Interpreter interprets in the simultaneous mode directly into the ear of the person who is deaf or hearing impaired or into the person’s assistive device (e.g. an FM system). This form of interpreting is applicable and acceptable in both formal and informal communication settings.

Lip Speaker Interpreting
A Lip Speaker sits opposite the deaf or hearing impaired person and repeats the words of the original speaker. The lip speaker interpreter uses clear lip patterns, supported by natural gestures and facial expressions to convey the meaning and tone of the original speaker.

Note-Taking
Note-takers sit next to the person who cannot take their own notes because they are either lip reading or watching an interpreter. Note-takers assist those who prefer only written transcripts.

Captioners
Captioners provide real-time text of everything that is said, including important sounds such as laughter or applause. Captioning is shown on a screen and is often used in conferences, lectures, broadcasts and virtual meetings.

Where These Services Can Be Used:

- Meetings (team, board, community)
- Training sessions and workshops
- Conferences and seminars
- School, university and classrooms
- Doctor and medical appointments
- Religious services
- Court proceedings
- Public events and gatherings
- Informal conversations and daily life
- Informal chats, small group discussions and community settings

“When we make communication accessible, we open the door to opportunity for everyone.”

For peer support
Fanie Dreams
www.faniedreams.co.za
[email protected]

"Communication connects. Inclusion empowers. Dreams come true"

Why is it important to get the attention of a person who has hearing loss gently?
It’s respectful

A gentle touch or visual signal shows consideration and respect. Shouting or exaggerated gestures may feel rude or uncomfortable.

It’s less startling
People who have hearing loss may not hear someone approaching. Sudden movements or unexpected touch can be frightening or cause anxiety.

It’s safer
A sudden approach can trigger a fight-or-flight response. A calm and gentle method helps the person feel safe and comfortable.

It creates a better interaction
Starting communication respectfully helps create a positive and supportive atmosphere from the beginning.

It shows understanding
It acknowledges that people who have hearing loss may experience communication differently. This helps build trust and stronger connections.

In short:
A gentle approach promotes dignity, comfort, safety, and meaningful communication.

Fanie Dreams
Dream • Believe • Connect
www.faniedreams.co.za

Universal Access is the right of all people to participate fully and equally in society through accessible and inclusive environments, services, communication, and opportunities"

Universal design is a concept in the field of design that means creating products, environments, and systems so they can be used by all people, as much as possible, without needing special adaptation.

Instead of designing something for the “average” person and then modifying it for others, universal design aims to make things accessible and usable for everyone from the start—including people of different ages, skills, sizes, and backgrounds.

Universal design is often explained through core principles:

- Equitable use – usable by everyone in the same way
- Flexibility in use – accommodates different preferences and skills
- Simple and intuitive – easy to understand
- Perceptible information – communicates clearly (visual, audio, etc.)
- Tolerance for error – reduces risks and mistakes
- Low physical effort – comfortable to use
- Size and space for approach and use – fits different body sizes and mobility needs

Everyday examples:
- Automatic sliding doors
- Captions on videos
- Real time captioning
- Voice assistants
- Large, easy-to-read fonts
- Adjustable desks

Why it matters:
Universal design improves:
- Accessibility (especially for people who have impairments )
- Convenience for everyone
- Inclusion in society

It’s widely used in areas like architecture, product design, technology, and education.

For peer support:
Fanie du Toit
Fanie Dreams
www.faniedreams.co.za
[email protected]