Africa, Middle: Deaf Community

Evidence indicates that deaf people lived throughout Africa in earlier centuries, including children and adults who were fully integrated into society. The presence of deaf people is evident in many important documents, including genealogical and legal records; travelers’ accounts; missionary, government, and institutional archives; religious narratives; drama; mime; literature; and linguistics. However, among these accounts, instances of negligence on the part of family and authorities are also present. Still, deaf people have shown tremendous resilience in this part of the world. Accordingly, with time, the authorities, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and government institutions have developed initiatives that focus on the empowerment of deaf people. This entry considers two Middle African nations with relatively large Deaf communities: Cameroon and Congo.