NGO "Gesture of Support" has launched free special sign language courses for police officers and the State Emergency Service of Volyn region.

In modern realities, knowing sign language is not just about language skills, it is about equality, respect and safety. With this in mind, Volyn police officers and rescuers have launched sign language courses.

For two months, professional teachers with extensive experience in working with people with hearing impairments will help students master practical skills in Ukrainian sign language. Participants will learn more about the psychology of people who cannot hear, multifunctional gestures and general principles of communication.

The course is free and will last two months. Upon completion of the training, police officers and rescuers who have expressed a desire to master sign language will receive certificates and will be able to use the acquired knowledge in their professional activities.

Yaroslav Kotylko, head of the NGO “Gesture of Support”, noted: “The initiative launched at the beginning of the large-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into Ukraine was due to the increase in the number of people who were injured. We realized how important it is for both rescuers and police officers to know sign language in order to promptly provide assistance to people with hearing impairments.”

Deputy Head of the Lutsk District State Administration Alla Ganich addressed the organizers and participants of the course: “I remember how two years ago the public organization “Gesture of Support” approached the Lutsk District Military Administration with a proposal to conduct such sign language courses. Communication and socializing are an important part of human life, especially in these difficult times. People who hear and speak do not think about how difficult it is for people with hearing impairments to solve everyday issues. We must understand them, hear them and, if necessary, help them.”

“Have you ever imagined a situation when you want to say something, but they do not understand you? For people with hearing impairments, this is an everyday reality, especially when it comes to communicating with the police. What if the police themselves speak sign language? We hope that this project will be successful, and the provision of police services will become even better,” says Natalia Bartoshuk, a policewoman and representative of the Department of the Main Inspection and Human Rights.

Sign language courses for police officers and rescuers will be practical and focused on real situations. The training will include: - basic gestures and expressions necessary for communication in professional activities, - sign language for recognizing basic information, - modeling real situations that police officers may encounter (checking documents, explaining rights, calling for help, etc.), - cultural and ethical features of communicating with people with hearing impairments.

The classes will be conducted by sign language specialists from the public organization “Gesture of Support” together with representatives of the deaf community to ensure maximum practical benefit.