Johannesburg – The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has embarked on a sign language skills training programme for front-line staff.
In that regard, ACSA has partnered with the South African National Deaf Association (SANDA) – an independent non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering the deaf community with equal opportunities and recognition in society.
“As part of this partnership, SANDA will provide sign language training to 130 front-line staff across ACSA’s network of airports,” ACSA said on Friday.
The week-long sign language training kicked off on Monday, (8 July 2024), with staff at O.R. Tambo International Airport taking part.
On Friday, ACSA and SANDA issued certificates to participating staffers for the successful completion of the initial basic sign language training phase.
“This training is crucial for our employees, who interact daily with passengers of varying abilities, including those with hearing impairments, hence our partnership with SANDA,” said ACSA.
“By equipping our staff with sign language skills, we aim to improve the travel experience for our passengers with impaired mobility, ensuring that they receive the same level of service and support as all our other travellers.
“Most significantly, this initiative aligns with the recent recognition by the National Assembly on 3 May 2023, that declared Sign Language as the 12th official language of South Africa.”
ACSA said the collaboration with SANDA underscores its commitment to supporting the disability sector in providing skills development.
The airport company said the sign language skill training was one of the key focus areas underpinning its Socio-Economic Development (SED) strategy.
ACSA – an organ of the state and SOC under the Department of Transport – honours the declaration and agreement of the Ministers of Transport, and Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, which was taken at the Transport Summit on Universal Accessibility in April 2024.
“One of the key priorities is providing an enabling environment that includes capacity development, awareness, education, and training programmes that include people with disabilities as educators and trainers,” ACSA explained.
“This will increase understanding and knowledge of universal design and universal access for government officials, role players, and stakeholders.
“Furthermore, in line with ICAO regulation standard Annex 9: Facilitation of Passengers with Impaired Mobility, ACSA and SANDA have embarked on an important initiative to enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of our airports.”
As part of this partnership, SANDA will provide sign language training to front-line staff across ACSA’s network of airports.
“This training is crucial for our employees, who interact daily with passengers of varying abilities, including those with hearing impairments, hence our partnership with SANDA,” said ACSA.
“By equipping our staff with sign language skills, we aim to improve the travel experience for our passengers with impaired mobility, ensuring that they receive the same level of service and support as all our other travellers.
“Most significantly, this initiative aligns with the recent recognition by the National Assembly on 3 May 2023, which declared Sign Language as the 12th official language of South Africa.”
ACSA said it was committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all passengers feel acknowledged and supported.
“We are delighted to partner with SANDA in this ground-breaking project,” said Ele Tshikovhi, Group Manager Transformation at ACSA.
“Providing front-line and/or customer-facing staff with sign language training not only enhances their skills but also reinforces our dedication to inclusivity and equal opportunities for all.
“Part of our medium and long-term plan is to collaborate with all stakeholders within the airport eco-system and ensure staff who are customer-facing receive training on sign language.
“This initiative will make a significant difference in the lives of our passengers with hearing impairments, ensuring they have a seamless and supportive travel experience.”
ACSA said its collaboration with SANDA was a testament to our ongoing efforts to adhere to international standards while championing diversity, equity, and inclusivity initiatives.
“We look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have on our staff and the broader society,” ACSA said.
