The Office of the Secretary of State (Génard Joseph) for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities (BSEIPH) took advantage of the official visit of the Colombian President to Haiti to initiate steps to reactivate bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

This strategic initiative targets a central objective: to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities through the standardization of a specifically Haitian sign language, aligned with sociocultural needs and international standards.

A framework note was presented to Haitian Chancellor Jean Harvel Victor Jean-Baptiste to guide this reactivation, identifying three priorities :

Development and adoption of a Haitian sign language :

In collaboration with the National Institute of Sign Language of Colombia (INSOR), the BSEIPH aims to create and institutionalize a sign language specific to Haiti. This initiative aims to reflect national linguistic and cultural specificities while respecting international conventions.

Strengthening institutional capacities :

Training programs, practical internships and scholarships are planned to improve the skills of Haitian and Colombian executives in the areas of inclusive education, functional rehabilitation and assistive technologies.

Exchange of inclusive expertise :

The two countries aim to share their experiences and innovations in the socio-economic integration of persons with disabilities, promoting inclusive and sustainable approaches.

The BSEIPH sees this reactivation as a strategic opportunity to consolidate the rights of persons with disabilities in Haiti while establishing an exemplary regional framework. This project could also inspire other countries in the Caribbean and Latin America to implement similar initiatives.

IH/ iciHaiti