Laszlo and I started the #NotDEAFeted Deaf Awareness Campaign on the 1st of September 2016, celebrating 16 years since he lost his hearing ability and had a cochlear implant. We were on a one month mission to raise awareness and educate the public on deaf matters while sharing our personal stories.
We also had two challenges running (“ILY Selfie” & “Sign Your Name” video clip) to show our support to DeafSA in its efforts to have SASL (South African Sign Language) recognized as the 12th official language of South Africa.
The #NotDEAFeted Deaf Awareness Campaign has reached over 120 000 people to date, with local talent, broadcasting media houses & radio stations supporting our cause. Below are a few of the most shared posts.
Waking Up to Silence – by Laszlo Maya
#NotDEAFeted – by Laszlo Maya
#DatingTheDeaf – by Ruth Abercrombie
Learning to Live with It – by Ruth Abercrombie
Something to Celebrate – by Laszlo Maya
We wanted to do more as more needed to be done. So, together with friends and family, we registered Maya Deaf Foundation, a Non-Profit Organisation that aims to promote deaf awareness and the rights of the hearing disabled.
You can find out more about our NPO over at www.mayadeaffoundation.co.za