Gangdong-gu (Mayor Lee Jung-hun) established a shelter exclusively for deaf people (the hearing-impaired and those with speech disorders) on the 6th floor of 52, Seongnae-ro, Gangdong-gu, Seoul. The opening ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. on April 12 (Fri.).

Deaf people find it inconvenient to use ordinary welfare facilities, such as the shelter for the elderly, due to communication failures and inabilities. The existing Sign Language Interpretation Center in Gangdong-gu was disturbingly small (59.4 ㎡), which meant that time consuming consultation had to be done at outside cafes.

Thus, Gangdong-gu prepared the new space with an area of 358.92 ㎡ in Seongnae-dong and undertook the construction of a new shelter for the hearing-impaired. The project received KRW 177,000,000 from the Seoul Metropolitan Government to remodel the space. The Sign Language Interpretation Center moved into the space last February and the Shelter for the Deaf was then established.

The Shelter for the Deaf, which opened in March, provides deaf visitors with integrated services, including information, culture, health, and education. Inside the space exists the office, a counseling office, two lecture rooms, an information desk, and a rest area. The center not only offers counseling for professional interpretation, but it also operates various programs, including sign language education, cultural activities, and movie screenings. For user-friendly operation, professional officers are on duty. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.

Mayor of Gangdong-gu Office, Lee Jung-hun, stated, “Over 2,000 deaf people are currently living in Gangdong-gu. For the improvement of their welfare services, Gangdong-gu moved the Gangdong-gu Sign Language Interpretation Center to a larger facility and established a special shelter for such individuals. We plan to make the district ’A Happy Gangdong’ as we expand tailored support for the hearing-impaired, reflecting their demands for welfare, while creating an environment free of barriers for the disabled.”

The relocation ceremony of Gangdong-gu Sign Language Interpretation Center and the opening ceremony of the shelter for the deaf will take place on April 12. Approximately 150 people, including the members of the Seoul Association of the Deaf and other volunteers, will gather to celebrate the new beginning.

<Related Photos>

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  The Shelter for the Deaf which opened in March

  

  Lecture Room

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