DeafWire Edition – 21 June 2025

Weekly DEAFWIRE news recaps
Full DEAFWIRE videos can be seen
at https://www.h3world.tv/shows-name/deafwire

UNITED KINGDOM:

Baby brainwaves boost language

Researchers at the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom (UK) are using advanced brainwave technology to explore how Deaf and hearing babies respond to visual and spoken language, including British Sign Language (BSL). By tracking babies' brain activity, the team hopes to better understand how early exposure to language, whether spoken or signed, affects development. Their research focuses on the critical period in a baby’s life when language learning begins, and how the brain reacts differently depending on whether the child is hearing or Deaf. The findings could result in more effective resources for families with Deaf children and help ensure they get access to the best tools and communication methods early in life.

DEAFDIGEST JOBS CENTER
Looking for a job? See Jobs Center for job openings.

* News Writer for DeafDots (Canada)

DEAFDIGEST JOBS CENTER –
http://deafdigest.net/jobs-center/

SOUTH AFRICA:

Signs for transport access

In South Africa, the Free State government has launched a new initiative in Bloemfontein that uses sign language to improve accessibility for Deaf and disabled commuters. The initiative was developed in partnership with the Free State Deaf Association and is designed to make it easier for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing people to interact with transport operators. The program promotes the learning of simple signs that anyone can learn, helping to bridge the gap between Deaf passengers and hearing drivers. The goal is to ensure that public transport in the province is more inclusive and accessible to all.

The Old Fogeys

See this week’s cartoon.

THE OLD FOGEYS – View cartoon

New DeafWaves series reports from Clin d’Oeil –  World’s Largest Deaf festival of arts, film and theater 

TORONTO, CANADA – 9 June 2025 - “DeafWaves,” a cultural and entertainment program launches Season 5 with 14 episodes taken at Clin d’Oeil, the largest Deaf festival of arts, film and theater in the world. This new series are presented in International Sign with English closed captions which can be seen on H3 World TV website and YouTube starting June 6. A new episode will be posted every two weeks. 

Anselmo DeSousa hosts this “DeafWaves” program where he explores and meets famous Deaf entertainers and social media influencers. The series will also walk through different areas of Clin d’Oeil which takes place in Reims, France - the formal capital city of France.

Performers and influencers take turns answering DeafLike questions, take a look at delicious French food, guest interviews and DeafBeat segments on the Deaf entertainment industry. This series can be seen on H3 World TV website – www.h3world.tv and YouTube – H3worldtv

The goal of H3 Network Media Alliance, which was founded in 2009, is to enlighten, empower, and unite the global Deaf community by producing and broadcasting online news and cultural video programming. 

URUGUAY:

Deaf youth to compete in Italy

A group of Deaf youth from Uruguay is about to make history by participating for the first time in the Deaf Futsal World Cup, taking place this June in Italy. The 14 players, coming from different parts of the country, have trained hard to reach this major tournament. This marks Uruguay’s debut at a world championship of this level with a Deaf team. The players are excited and proud to represent their country. Coach Matías Ripa explained that they will face strong teams like Iran, Finland, and Denmark. The team has prepared by analyzing videos and strategies. Despite the challenge, they are highly motivated. Player Maximiliano Biondi shared that reaching the World Cup was their dream. Now that it’s a reality, they aim to give their best. He highlighted the effort and sacrifice it took to get here — something that once seemed impossible. Games follow standard futsal rules, with the only difference being the use of flags instead of whistles for referee communication, allowing all players to see the signals. The team also had to overcome many challenges to raise the necessary funds to make the trip. Despite doubts early on, they never gave up and are now ready to represent Uruguay with pride.

PERU:

Police to get hearing aids

In Lima, Peru, the Minister of the Interior, Julio Díaz Zulueta, presented hearing aids to two retired police officers who became Deaf while on duty. During a ceremony held at the Ministry of the Interior auditorium, the Minister emphasized that this initiative, managed through Saludpol, aims to improve the quality of life of these former officers, regarded as heroes of national pacification. The recipients, Juan Francisco Polanco Barrientos and Pedro Dávila Suárez, expressed their gratitude for the support. Authorities from the ministry and Saludpol attended the event.

Copyright © 2025 - DeafDigest. All Rights Reserved.