You got elected to the Parliament. The five disabled persons were among the first 80 people on the list of about 300 names. Yes there has been great awareness just from my being there. Everyone wants to know about sign language and where they can learn it.
Members also ask about interpreters, and many think the interpreters are family members.
During my committee work, members hear the kind of questions or comments I make regarding the needs of the Deaf and they want to know more. I understand that the presence of interpreters runs the risk of breaking the protocol regarding the seating of MPs in the Parliament. Inside the chamber, as it's called here, where all 400 of us meet, no non-MP is allowed on the floor. This is a bit of a problem for me because that means that the interpreters cannot sit near me. The arrangements are okay but not altogether satisfactory.