Philippine Federation of the Deaf

Philippine Federation of the Deaf

The Philippine Federation of the Deaf (PFD) is a national organization in the Philippines that advocates for the rights and welfare of deaf individuals. The PFD works to promote deaf culture, sign language education, and accessibility for deaf people in various aspects of society.

History

The PFD was established to unify various deaf organizations across the Philippines and to provide a collective voice for the deaf community. The organization has been instrumental in advocating for the recognition of Filipino Sign Language (FSL) as the national sign language of the Philippines.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the PFD include:

• Promoting the use and recognition of Filipino Sign Language.
• Advocating for the rights and inclusion of deaf individuals in all sectors of society.
• Providing support and resources for deaf education and employment.
• Raising awareness about deaf culture and the challenges faced by the deaf community.

Activities

The PFD engages in various activities to achieve its objectives, including:

• Organizing workshops and seminars on sign language and deaf culture.
• Collaborating with government agencies and non-governmental organizations to improve accessibility for deaf individuals.
• Conducting research on issues affecting the deaf community.
• Providing legal assistance and advocacy for deaf individuals facing discrimination.

Achievements

One of the significant achievements of the PFD is its role in the passage of the Filipino Sign Language Act (Republic Act No. 11106), which recognizes FSL as the national sign language of the Philippines and mandates its use in various settings, including education, legal proceedings, and media.

Challenges

Despite its successes, the PFD continues to face challenges such as limited funding, societal stigma, and the need for more widespread acceptance and understanding of deaf culture and sign language.

Future Plans

The PFD aims to expand its reach and impact by:

• Increasing its membership and strengthening its network of affiliated organizations.
• Enhancing its advocacy efforts to ensure full implementation of the Filipino Sign Language Act.
• Developing more programs and services to support the education and employment of deaf individuals.

See also

• Deaf culture
• Filipino Sign Language
• Sign language
• Disability rights movement