Our mission at Deaf.BG is to unite and empower the Bulgarian Deaf community, championing common principles and values that advocate for equality and complete inclusion of deaf individuals. We are dedicated to creating opportunities that enhance skills and knowledge among deaf people in Bulgaria, ensuring their full participation in public life. Our commitment extends to providing a high-quality language environment enriched by Bulgarian Sign Language for every deaf child and adult in education and social life.
Mission
Deaf.BG has a unified mission: to achieve equality for deaf individuals in Bulgaria. Our approach centers on using effective educational and empowerment strategies to advocate for the fundamental human rights of deaf people, including communication, education, and fulfilling life through Bulgarian Sign Language.
We are committed to a transdisciplinary model of operation where experienced deaf individuals and allies collaborate in joint activities and research. This model empowers deaf people to become pioneers in shaping policies and principles for activities involving them, their families, professionals, and other stakeholders.
World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), asserts that the human rights of deaf individuals hinge on their access to sign language. Historically, Bulgaria's transition years saw little to no efforts to empower the deaf community through accessible sign language. Recognizing this, we strive to unite all deaf people in Bulgaria into one community bolstered by Bulgarian Sign Language, fostering cognitive development and social connectivity.
Despite the late recognition of Bulgarian Sign Language in 2021, we are determined to overturn the past suppression of the deaf community and lack of preparation for active representatives, leaders, and trainers. At the heart of our community are deaf leaders, the custodians of sign language, who, until now, have been primarily deprived of opportunities for civic and professional growth.
We aim to establish a foundational training program through Bulgarian Sign Language, facilitating practical application in public life. We are currently researching the needs of deaf leaders to develop this training program, led by a team of deaf mentors working alongside international experts. This initiative aims to launch a sustainable, long-term educational drive to enhance the capabilities of deaf leaders nationwide.
Trained leaders will organize advocacy campaigns to foster high participation and interest within the deaf community. Our immediate goal is to create a critical mass of deaf leaders in Bulgaria who actively champion human rights.
Furthermore, we are dedicated to enlightening hearing individuals about the challenges and solutions within the deaf community. In the long term, this effort will pave the way toward equality for deaf people. Deaf leaders, serving as role models, will inspire others to join a diverse, proactive ecosystem in Bulgarian society, emphasizing lifelong learning.
The purpose of this platform is to unite the efforts of the Vzaimno Foundation, ADYO, the Listen Up Foundation and Deafinitely Sign social enterprise, in advocating for and implementing Bulgarian Sign Language ActWhile each organization operates in distinct areas, our shared vision is to see the Act integrated across all social life and education aspects.