Signs that teach. Educational project for deaf people

Abstract

Clinical trials demonstrated that Diabetes Self-Management Education (EDAM) improves glycemic control and reduces complications and mortality, making it essential to prevent and treat T2DM. The National Ministry of Health defines the EDAM and incorporates the PMO. Diabetes education is mandatory.

Deaf people have greater health difficulties than hearing people.

The Argentine Confederation of the Deaf estimates 1 million deaf people in our country. WHO estimates that, by 2050, 1/10 will have disabling hearing loss.

Being deaf is not decided by medical diagnosis, it is natural and deserves respect. The 2023 sanction, ARTICLE 4, states: The State will promote and push forward the access and use of the LSA for all people who, for any reason, choose to communicate in said language in order to have effective and full accessibility to social life. Until this sanction, there were 3 countries that did not recognize the LSA in America and one was Argentina.

The “Señas que enseñan, a vivir mejor” (Signs that Teach to Live Better) project, began in 2023 in Mendoza and it was aimed at the prevention of type 2 diabetes in deaf people. In order to communicate with a deaf person, you need to: stay in their range of vision; keep your eyes at the same level; stand 1 or 2 meters away, so they can see all your gestures; speak with a normal voice and tone; and do not speak with your back turned. Use graphics, drawings, photos, or videos and let the person communicate using gestures, hands, and body.

The health team must prepare to care for deaf people, since the lack of communication is an act of discrimination. Diabetes prevention and treatment education is for everyone.