The absence of national recognition for sign language in Ethiopia is having a profound impact on the country’s deaf and disabled communities, contributing to high dropout rates among students and limiting access to essential services, according to a new study released by the Federation of Associations of People with Disabilities in Ethiopia.
The study, conducted in September 2024, revealed that 27.3 percent of students with disabilities who gain university admission ultimately drop out before completing their studies. The findings, presented at an event organized by Ethio Helix Trading Plc, highlight a range of obstacles faced by people with disabilities, including inaccessible infrastructure, a lack of interpreters, inadequate educational materials, and an education system that fails to accommodate their needs.
Abayneh Gujo, Executive Director of the Federation of Ethiopian Associations of Persons with Disabilities (FEAPD), emphasized the gravity of the situation. “The lack of recognition of sign language as a national working language is a major barrier for the deaf community and people with disabilities,” he stated. “It affects daily communication in schools and public services, and it is not given the attention it deserves as a valid language.”
Ethiopia is home to more than 20 million people with disabilities, including over 3.5 million deaf citizens. Despite the widespread use of Amharic and English sign languages within the deaf community, the absence of official status for sign language means it is rarely used in classrooms or government offices, further marginalizing those who rely on it for communication.
The event also served as the launch for new hearing aids and audiometric devices introduced by Ethio Helix Ear Hearing Center. The company showcased advanced technologies sourced from countries such as Turkey, highlighting their quality and comfort. However, Ethio Helix acknowledged that while such devices are now available in Ethiopia, they remain out of reach for the vast majority of people in need due to financial barriers.
“Globally, only about 17 percent of people who need hearing support actually receive it,” Abayneh explained. “In Ethiopia, more than 95 percent of people with disabilities live below the poverty line, so only a small fraction can afford hearing aids or related technology.”
The lack of institutions providing accessible technology for people with disabilities further exacerbates the problem. “These technologies are not considered by private or public entities as a fundamental need,” Abayneh added, noting that many people with disabilities are excluded from participation in education, employment, and public life due to the lack of necessary equipment.
Earlier this year, with support from Ethio Telecom, the federation distributed 520 hearing aids to primary and secondary school students. However, ongoing research indicates that more than 2,000 additional devices are needed to meet current demand. Of the devices distributed, 113 are already out of service due to breakdowns, with high maintenance costs cited as the main reason for their limited lifespan.
The challenges faced by Ethiopia’s disabled population are not limited to hearing loss. The lack of accessible infrastructure, insufficient educational resources, and the absence of interpreters in schools and public institutions all contribute to the exclusion of people with disabilities from mainstream society. The study found that the education system’s failure to accommodate diverse needs is a key factor behind the high dropout rate among students with disabilities.
Abayneh called on the government and all stakeholders to collaborate in addressing these pressing issues. “We urge the government to recognize sign language as a national working language and to invest in accessible infrastructure, educational materials, and technologies that can improve the lives of people with disabilities,” he said. “The federation is committed to doing its part, but a united effort is needed to ensure a more inclusive and accessible future for all Ethiopians.”
The event concluded with a renewed call for action to break down barriers and create equal opportunities for Ethiopia’s disabled community. As the country strives for greater inclusion, advocates stress that official recognition of sign language and improved access to assistive technologies are essential steps toward empowering millions of Ethiopians with disabilities.
