Adrian Alexander - Consultant

The concept of Radio for the Deaf sounds like an oxymoron. After all, how can radio be used by or serve the Deaf?

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The hard truth is that some 650 million people (1/9 of the global population) have a challenge with their hearing. Of that number, about 70 million are Deaf. Sadly, in several developing as well as developed nations, the Deaf are treated as a silent and voiceless minority and denied full access to and respect for human rights. Since theirs is largely considered to be an invisible disability, they are seldom perceived to be in need of accommodations to enjoy equitable treatment.

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For that reason, while sign language interpretation is sometimes made available for key televised broadcasts, the Deaf have no regular access to the powerful medium of radio which is ubiquitous, as compared with the availability of television, cable or the Internet. Deaf persons are widely denied the opportunity to air their views, gain public support and receive effective redress via this medium.

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In view of these long-standing deficiencies, when it was conceptualised in 2015, an initial mandate of Radio for the Deaf was to provide such access to radio for Deaf persons and advocates of the Deaf community. Over the years, we collaborated with and inspired NGOs serving the Deaf community to help provide information for the Deaf on important issues in their heart language, which is sign language. This was accomplished through God's favour, having blessed me with broadcast training and valuable professional relationships with various radio stations.

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Since then, Radio for the Deaf has expanded to utilise my decades of experience as a consultant and advocate to position me to serve on the Board of a national NGO representing the interests of the Deaf community and on the Board of another organisation where I was able to advocate for the interests of Persons With Disabilities in policy and legislation.

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In addition, through my media background, it has blossomed into the development of holistic content for an online radio station, addressing such topical issues as law, crime prevention, victims' rights, offender rehabilitation, restorative justice, human trafficking and mental health. Most recently, it has led to the creation of the Hope Network - a visual radio project that will serve as a hub for innovative media content to address social issues.

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