### Lack of Specialized Schools for the Deaf Children in Tijuana
One of the major challenges that the deaf children community faces in Tijuana is the scarcity of specialized educational institutions, said the coordinator of the Municipal Public Libraries Network, Giovanni Jiménez Jiménez. The limited number of spaces dedicated to learning Mexican Sign Language (LSM) stems from a shortage of certified translators.
According to Jiménez, the municipal education system currently employs seven specialized LSM teachers at the secondary level and 25 interpreters across Tijuana’s Multiple Care Centers (CAM). Despite these efforts, there remains a significant gap in resources dedicated to the deaf community.
The Municipal Public Libraries Network offers a program for LSM classes, featuring literacy courses for deaf children and beginner to advanced classes for adults. These classes are provided at the Benito Juárez Library, located in Zona Río next to the Municipal Palace, and the Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez Library, within the Casa de la Cultura in Altamira.
Jiménez stressed the importance of these courses, noting an overwhelming interest from parents of deaf children, as well as teachers, doctors, and psychologists seeking to improve their communication skills with the deaf community. The literacy courses for levels 2 and 3 will run from September to December, with plans to open beginner-level classes soon.
Jiménez emphasized the importance of Tijuana’s collaborative efforts with the Municipal Public Education Secretariat to provide instructors for these classes. The city’s commitment to fostering spaces for the deaf community has received national recognition. One significant initiative is the development of the Certi app, which, designed in collaboration with the Municipal Secretariat of Mexican Sign Language, aids hearing-impaired individuals in communicating for various daily tasks.
For more information on upcoming courses and programs, residents are encouraged to contact the Public Libraries Network at [email protected] or via phone at 664 684 9691.
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### Secondary Article: Expanding Support for the Deaf Community in Mexico
Recent reports indicate a broader trend in Mexico towards improving accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing. The country is seeing an increase in specialized programs and resources aimed at supporting this community.
For instance, Mexico City has initiated its own programs, emphasizing the inclusion of Sign Language interpreters in public services and educational institutions. These efforts are part of a nationwide push to address the gaps in accessibility and ensure that deaf individuals have equal opportunities in various aspects of life, from education to employment.
In Veracruz, a new initiative has been launched to train more certified interpreters in Mexican Sign Language, addressing the critical shortage highlighted by similar issues in Tijuana. The goal is to provide comprehensive support across the state, making it easier for deaf residents to access essential services and participate fully in the community.
These developments reflect a growing awareness and commitment at both local and national levels towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for the deaf and hard of hearing in Mexico.