IMU University
Bridges of Silence: Advancing Deaf-Inclusive Healthcare
Finalist, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Sustainability
About
Bridges of Silence: Advancing Deaf-Inclusive Healthcare addresses systemic communication barriers that place the Deaf community at risk of misdiagnosis and unequal access to care. This initiative introduces a pioneering, end-to-end model integrating healthcare education with sign language interpretation. It began with the production of a Basic Medical Signing for Sign Language Interpreters book, followed by a 16-week intensive training programme led by healthcare professionals, equipping Sign Language Interpreters (SLI) with critical, practice-based competencies.
To scale impact, the programme evolved into a micro credential programme, extending access to SLI regionally and globally. Crucially, IMU embedded real-world application through clinical placements, where trained SLI support free healthcare services for the Deaf community.
Demonstrating institutional leadership in inclusive education, this initiative improves communication accuracy, enhances patient dignity, and reduces healthcare inequities thereby advancing the UN SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) through a scalable, sustainable model.
Top 3 learnings
- We learned that true inclusion requires system redesign and not just awareness.
- We learned that foundational medical knowledge is essential for accurate, safe, and effective healthcare interpretation.
- We learned that co-creation with the community drives meaningful impact.
Sustainable Development Goals
| 2026 | |
| Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Sustainability | |
| Finalist, International |
