Reach Out Interpretation Services Uganda (ROIS) 2016 YEAR END REPORT

INTRODUCTION – Our mission Reach out Interpretation Services Uganda (ROIS) is a registered non-profit NGO charity that provides interpretation services for the benefit of the D/deaf individual in the Ugandan community.

Objectives 1. To reach out to the D/deaf people and offer free interpretation services to them when needed to those who cannot afford an interpreter. 2. To advocate for the main streaming in the Education system in Uganda. 3. To fight the stigma attached to persons with Hearing Impairment. 4. To advocate for the inclusion of interpreters in all sectors of public service. 5. To join the existing organizations in the awareness of the existence of the D/deaf Community in Uganda. 6. To advocate for the employment of D/deaf people in the economy of this country.

2016 2016 has been filled with challenges and opportunities in equal measure. In reference to our mandate of offering voluntary sign language interpretation services to D/deaf persons in health, education, courts and the entire civil service, ROIS Uganda has had to conduct its affairs with minimal funding. This meant that our services were oversubscribed thus sometimes were unable to meet demand/deliver due to financial constraints.

20th January 2016 We held a public car wash activity at Lugogo Shoprite grounds, sponsored by SHOPRITE. This activity was our first public event, a marketing strategy to create awareness for the D/deaf people in our society.

Car Wash

Car Wash Deaf persons and interpreters participating in the car wash activity at Lugogo.

Achievement(s) from car wash This activity brought on board many willing people, ready to be assigned whenever and wherever there is need. We have standby teams of interpreters on call to serve voluntarily in hospitals, police stations, courts etc. During the year, we managed to create a website which is now up and running. It is one medium through which D/deaf persons contact us when in need of our services and interpreters who want to join us subscribe to be part of this life changing organisation.

International Disability Day 2016

Our Website It is on our website www.rois-uganda.org that :- We post regular updates about our activities. Our beneficiaries request our services With specific details/requirements Feedback from users is posted via our site. Our clients book our services via this medium

Membership We signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UGANDA NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF (UNAD) where we harmonised our working relationship since they are the overseeing organisation of all deaf related activities in Uganda. Therefore, we are official partners with UNAD. We have membership with Uganda Networks, World Association of Sign Language Interpreters and Uganda National Association of the Deaf.

Unavailable photos/stories Sign language interpretation is a very confidential service given to D/deaf persons. They have a right to privacy. Therefore, some assignments from beneficiaries/clients cannot be brought to the public in form of still pictures and/or videos. Such confidential assignments include hospital visits, private meetings, court hearings, embassy appointments etc. By guaranteeing clients confidentiality, we have earned their trust. We now have more people logging onto our website and using the online system to inquire about our services.

D/deaf woman and child Ruth (not her real name) is D/deaf. She was attacked by unknown people, who hit her on the head using huge stones, attempted to strangle her and took off with her clothes and money. The police station in Kawempe called our office to help in sign language communication but she needed more than that. She needed accommodation, medication, food for her and the child and clothing which we provided with the help of police. While following up her case in a court in Nabweru Sub County, we discovered that she had been raped in the process and had conceived. The man responsible is on the run as police continue to look for him. As ROIS we have vowed to work with the police to see to it that justice is served.

D/deaf students at Ndejje University Students in this picture were at an exhibition of bio-waste materials at Hotel Africana in Kampala. They delivered a compelling presentation. It was the first international scientific conference to be held in Uganda and ROIS was contacted to facilitate by providing sign language interpretation during the entire program.

A sign language interpreter at a sexual reproductive health workshop A sign language interpreter at a sexual reproductive health workshop. At the workshop young D/deaf girls were taught about body changes and how to manage their monthly menstrual cycles. The young girls shared experiences and advised one another.

Media Throughout the year our interpreters have taken advantage of opportunities in the media to talk about improving the lives of D/deaf persons through accessibility to information in sign language. These photos showcase interpreters at a radio station in Kampala and at our office, talking to media personalities about how ROIS has embarked on transforming the society through creation of an inclusive environment where D/deaf persons have access to all information regardless of their disability.

Inception meeting of sign language interpreters and representatives of the d/deaf from all regions of Uganda to witness the unveiling of ROIS Some of the members of board of directors interpreters listening to the presentations Hon. Robert giving his speech at the event The fraternity of interpreters.

THANK YOU We are very grateful for giving us this opportunity to show you our annual report. We hope that you have enjoyed it. Please visit us again!