WELCOME

The Centre of Knowledge strives to empower people living with hearing loss with practical information covering the full range of their daily life experiences. The Centre of Knowledge comprises several subdivisions, each focusing on a specific area of expertise.

Turning theoretical research into a practical activity is a primary focus of this division. The Centre of Knowledge has a full-time Researcher, tasked with ensuring that all information gathered is both scientifically correct, applicable to, and able to be practically applied to every sub-division. All knowledge and information gathered by the Centre of Knowledge is intended to serve the interests of the community of people living with hearing loss, both in South Africa, and throughout the African continent. The Centre of Knowledge is currently the Secretariat for the Africa Contact Group for Mental Health and Deafness (ACGMHD), an organisation that coordinates the training of, and practical implication of skills and expertise that empower people with hearing loss throughout Africa. More information on the ACGMHD can be found at its website: www.acgmhd.org

The other sub-divisions support both the ACGMHD, as well as provide information and practical expertise to both people living with hearing loss as well as the hearing community. The Multimedia team is a crucial entity to this division, creating a diverse range of products, including posters and DVDs, that create a better understanding of Deaf Culture, and facilitates communication between people with hearing loss and the hearing community. Supporting this department is a Promotion and Awareness team that conducts Sensitisation Workshops on hearing loss in all areas of society, including the workplace, schools and tertiary institutions, the corporate sector, correctional services, and hospitals.

A Media Centre provides valuable resources of both historical and current significance, that inform communities on the many achievements of people living with hearing loss, as well as offering information on ongoing challenges that affect people living with hearing loss.

Practical research and supportive services geared towards the health and well-being of persons living with hearing loss is provided by the Centre of Knowledge. The Social Competency Model (SoCoMo) is a crucial component in the approach the Centre of Knowledge uses in understanding and facilitating activities in this area.

Supporting all these sub-divisions is a Sign Language interpreter, who is responsible for all activities relating to Sign Language, and Sign Language interpretation