Operation of Public Sign Language Library Specialized for Hearing and Speech Disabilities Begins on April 23 at Seongsu-dong Shelter for the Deaf
Book Information Explanation Service Using ICT Assistive Devices Tailored for Hearing Impairments and Sign Language Interpretation Provided
Created as an Open Space Freely Accessible to Both Disabled and Non-Disabled Visitors
Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jung Won-oh) announced on April 23 that it has opened the ‘Seongdong Public Sign Language Library,’ a specialized library for the hearing and speech impaired, in Seongsu-dong.
This initiative addresses the inconveniences experienced by hearing and speech impaired individuals when using libraries and meets the need to provide a space for reading, learning, sharing information, and communication.
The ‘Seongdong Public Sign Language Library’ was established by utilizing unused space within the Deaf Shelter located in Seongsu-dong. It houses a collection of about 500 books across various fields including educational, cultural, and informational materials, featuring hope books and sign language video books primarily for deaf users. The library operates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.
To ensure that deaf individuals who have difficulty communicating through sound and speech can use the library without inconvenience, sign language interpretation services are provided. Additionally, C-SOUND glasses for voice-to-subtitle conversion and smart books are available to enable users to see and understand information visually, offering more extensive book information and explanation services.
The library also promotes various reading and cultural programs to invigorate its operations.
Main programs include ▲a sign language reading class for deaf people who use sign language as their primary language and non-disabled individuals interested in sign language ▲coloring books for psychological stability and healing ▲a course on making personalized books ▲field trips to outstanding external libraries. These programs are accessible to both hearing and speech impaired individuals as well as non-disabled users.
The ‘Public Sign Language Library’ was created as a public-private cooperative project in collaboration with the Seongdong-gu Sign Language Interpretation Center. It is operated with a budget of 50 million KRW secured through Seoul’s ‘Walking Together with the Vulnerable Public Contest’ for the operation of a specialized library for the disabled (including 25 million KRW for the operation of a library for people with developmental disabilities).
Seongdong-gu also operates the ‘Wagle Wagle Library,’ which is freely accessible to slow learners such as people with developmental disabilities. Opened in March last year, the ‘Wagle Wagle Library’ was designed to meet the needs of slow learners with developmental disabilities and borderline intellectual disabilities, and is open to anyone including non-disabled individuals.
The library is equipped with about 1,000 books including cognitive, tactile, and sound books, educational books for caregivers, and general books. It features an ondol (heated floor) to allow users to use the space freely and comfortably, and various reading programs are also offered. It operates from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.
Jung Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, said, “The ‘Public Sign Language Library’ is a specialized library where anyone can freely enjoy without communication difficulties, and I hope it becomes a space where disabled and non-disabled people can empathize and understand each other.” He added, “We will continue to create a Seongdong where everyone can enjoy a happy daily life without exclusion through finely tuned, customized policies for the disabled that leave no gaps.”
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