In recent years, Hong Kong has witnessed several Deaf defendants have been treated unfairly in the legal system. Deaf individuals are not arranged essential communication accommodations, which include the absence of sign language interpreters as well as speech-to-text captioning services. This possibly results in Deaf people having difficulties understanding and participating in legal proceedings and may be subjected to injustice at stages of the legal process.  
Meanwhile, there is a lack of legal and rights awareness within the deaf community. It makes Deaf people difficult to obtain resources and information about laws and policies that protect them or their right to advocate for themselves. Consequently, they find it challenging to assert and defend their rights in formal legal procedures. Additionally, legal professionals have limited awareness of the obstacles confronting Deaf individuals and understanding of Deaf culture due to a lack of deaf awareness training. These factors further create an environment of inequality and injustice, leaving deaf individuals with little to no recourse to ensure their legal rights are protected. 

To ensure Deaf people can be acquainted with the law and advocate for their rights under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), a sign-bilingual website covering 40 basic legal concepts with explanations in Hong Kong Sign Language (HKSL), written Chinese and visual graphics will be developed, covering topics like criminal procedures, legal rights, etc. We will also conduct four experiential workshops focusing on topics related to the HK judicial system, Deaf legal rights, etc., targeted toward Deaf signers. Deaf members may find this a valuable starting point for understanding the legal system and their rights. 
Meanwhile, legal professionals must strive to become more knowledgeable about Deaf people's needs. To achieve this, five sign language and Deaf awareness training sessions targeting law students and legal practitioners will be held, covering contents of basic communicative and legal signs, deaf culture introduction, points to note when interacting with Deaf clients, etc. Also, three public seminars will be held to increase public awareness of disability rights. 

We believe that the sign-bilingual website and legal awareness Workshops for Deaf people will enhance their knowledge of basic legal concepts and their rights in the legal system, educating them on what they may do if their rights are violated. The sign language and Deaf awareness training for law students and professionals will equip the participants with a fundamental understanding of Deaf people’s needs in communications at different stages of a legal procedure and how they may help to alleviate or remove the obstacles that Deaf people encounter. The public seminars will help stakeholders understand the situation of deaf people in Hong Kong and have them reflect on what access to justice means to Deaf people and people with different disabilities. 

• 500 deaf signers


• 1000 family members of deaf signers


• 60 serving sign language interpreters


• A minimum of 500 general public individuals

2023

Sign Language