Dubai: Majed Murad Mazer Al Bloushi is a tour guide with a difference. The group of people who are with him are also special. As they go on a tour of Abu Dhabi, they not only get to see the many attractions that the UAE capital offers, but also have a deep understanding of their significance, thanbks to him.
The visitors, like Majed, are deaf. And they are in the UAE for the first-of-its-kind Dubai Deaf Fest being held in Dubai today.
“My role involves content creation to promote accessibility, guiding tours to ensure deaf travelers feel connected and engaged, and produce accessible news updates in sign language to keep the deaf community informed,” he tells Gulf News.
Dubai Deaf Fest 2024
- Watch: ‘I am not deaf, but sign language is my first language’
The 30-year-old from Al Ain says he was diagnosed with hearing loss at birth itself. “My circumstances were unique as I had two elder brothers who were also deaf. This familial experience led my family to anticipate my condition and prepared them for my specific needs right from the start,” he lets on.
Notwithstanding that, there were many challenges he had to overcome.
“Throughout my childhood, I faced a significant challenge as I attended a mainstream school without access to an interpreter to explain the lessons to me. At a time when there were no dedicated schools for the deaf, I encountered hurdles like classmates making fun of me due to the lack of understanding. Back then, the absence of educational resources and interpreters posed obstacles to my learning journey. Fortunately, times have changed, and now there are schools for the deaf, reflecting a positive shift towards greater inclusivity and accessibility,” he shares.
There were precious learnings from the experiences though.
As Al Bloushi says, “They taught me the importance of promoting sign language awareness to foster inclusivity. Sign language connects the deaf community with the world, and a collective effort to teach basic sign language in schools and workplaces can greatly enhance communication. Healthcare is a key area where improvement is needed—hospitals should provide trained interpreters and sign-proficient staff to ensure Deaf patients receive equal care with privacy. Similarly, government institutions, including the police, need interpreters to enable direct and effective communication with deaf individuals.”
According to him, “Communication barriers often lead to frustration and exclusion, especially when accessing public services or traveling. Many deaf individuals are hesitant to travel alone due to fears of miscommunication or feeling unsupported in unfamiliar environments,” he says.
As Al Bloushi fills a yawning gap in providing tours in sign language, he is proud of the positive impact it has on people. “t gives me great joy in building strong, meaningful relationships and bringing happiness to those I interact with. Through my role as Amsaan, I am able to connect with the deaf community and beyond, promoting inclusivity and breaking barriers in travel.”
He also helps students by explaining words and concepts in sign language. “Contributing to their learning and understanding is heartwarming, and I believe fostering inclusivity among young minds is essential for a more empathetic future,” he explains
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