THE Olympus Society of Davao, a community organization, in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) will hold a sign language training on April 17 to 20, for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) counselors of Davao city to effectively reach the deaf community.

OSD chair Oscar Obenza Jr. told Sunstar Davao that the participants will be composed of HIV counselors from Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC), people’s organization, and community based organizations.

He said that the activity will be a first of its kind.

“Kasi napansin ko na hindi maka-relate ang deaf community during the World Aids day and others, meron ding nagpapa-test na nahihirapan kaming kausapin, at least now mas magkakaintindihan na kami,” Obenza said.

He said that the planned training won’t be possible with the help of the DOH as the concept and proposal was from the OSD.

He said that OSD will seek trainers from the deaf community.

“So merong active participation ang deaf community, may organization din kasi sila. If this will be successful, I am planning to propose this to other services hindi lang sa health,” Obenza said.