Youngsook Park of Daegu Suseong District Council: "Sign Language Interpretation and Text Services Essential for Public Information for People with Hearing Impairments"

Youngsook Park, a member of the Daegu Suseong District Council, called for expanded support to guarantee the "right to know" for people with hearing impairments during a five-minute free speech session at the 271st extraordinary plenary session of the Suseong District Council on August 26.

Council Member Park pointed out, "Of the 2.63 million registered disabled individuals in Korea, 16.8% have hearing impairments. Although this is the fastest-growing type of disability, support for these individuals remains insufficient."

Youngsook Park Daegu Suseong District Council Member

She especially emphasized that in Suseong District, there are over 4,000 registered people with hearing impairments, yet there are no significant support programs, and assistance for the local sign language interpretation center is also lacking.

In response, Council Member Park stated that sign language interpretation and text services must be provided as a requirement when delivering public information directly related to residents' daily lives. She also called for the introduction of smart technology in public facilities to establish an information delivery system tailored to the needs of people with hearing impairments.

Park further stated, "We need to expand the currently insufficient lifelong education programs for people with hearing impairments and institutionalize customized education courses that reflect their learning needs and characteristics. In the information age, being excluded from information is another form of discrimination. Active support is needed so that all residents can access information without discrimination and realize their potential through lifelong learning."