A hospital consultation, a police interview or a school lesson depends on being able to understand and be understood. For a Deaf person who uses Filipino Sign Language, that can require an interpreter and information presented in an accessible form. It should not depend entirely on whether a relative happens to be available to help.
Deaf Awareness Week begins today and runs through November 16. The Filipino Sign Language Act, Republic Act 11106, sets out what public institutions are required to make accessible. The law recognizes FSL in education, justice, health care and government transactions, while preserving each person's choice of how to communicate. Here are five ways the law applies to everyday services.