Access to timely and clear information is critical in times of crisis, whether floods, earthquakes, or wildfires. However, for Rwanda’s deaf community, communication barriers often leave them vulnerable, with emergency alerts and response measures lacking inclusivity.

ALSO READ: Rwanda starts distributing sign language dictionary

Deaf rights organizations call for more inclusive disaster communication strategies to ensure deaf persons receive life-saving information when it matters most. Allan Mutabazi, the Executive Director of Rwanda National Union of the Deaf (RNUD), said that the reliance on verbal emergency announcements leaves the deaf uninformed and vulnerable.

ALSO READ: Signs of change: Art exhibition portrays challenges of deaf people during natural disasters

"Most emergency instructions are delivered through audio broadcasts, excluding deaf people from critical information,” he said.

Limited awareness of evacuation procedures further complicates the situation. Without accessible information on shelter locations or emergency contact details, they may struggle to find safety. In chaotic situations, their ability to seek help is also hindered by difficulties communicating with emergency responders, potentially delaying assistance.

Even in areas with visual alerts, Mutabazi noted that existing systems are often inadequate.

"Some places have flashing alarms but they are not widespread, and not all deaf people understand them. Many in the deaf community rely on hearing persons to spread key information, which creates additional risks if those people are unavailable during emergencies.”

Dative Mukashema, the Executive Director of Rwanda National Association of Deaf Women (RNADW), noted that while the general population faces difficulties during natural disasters, deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals encounter even worse obstacles.

"Inaccessible information on climate change and emergencies remains a challenge as the available information is not accessible in Rwandan Sign Language (RSL), yet the majority of deaf women, girls, and men depend on sign language as their only mode of communication.”

Mukashema pointed out that limited understanding of deaf culture among decision-makers often leads to misinterpretation of their needs.

"Instead of addressing the specific barriers faced by the deaf, authorities tend to generalize the context,” she said. She also highlighted that communication barriers among humanitarian workers and key stakeholders isolate the deaf community during crises.

"Inadequate data disaggregation and insufficient collaboration with relevant stakeholders hinder the effectiveness of current initiatives. Institutions working on climate change must involve deaf-led organizations as experts on the needs of the deaf,” Mukashema said.

Need for inclusive disaster preparedness

To address these challenges, Mutabazi stressed the need for comprehensive and inclusive emergency communication strategies.

"We need to ensure that deaf people receive real-time information through accessible means,” he said.

He proposed integrating Rwandan Sign Language interpreters in televised and mobile emergency alerts, as well as implementing SMS-based warning systems to notify those who cannot hear alerts or radio broadcasts.

Mutabazi advocates for regular disaster response training designed for the deaf including drills and visual disaster guides.

"If deaf people are trained on what to do in case of floods, fires, or earthquakes, they can respond effectively and reduce risks,” he noted.

He pointed out the need for empowering deaf leaders with first aid and emergency response skills to enable them to assist others in their community.

Mutabazi called for emergency responders to receive basic RSL training to facilitate smoother interactions with deaf people. Designated safe areas with clear visual guides should be established to ensure that the deaf can navigate evacuation procedures independently.

He also suggested a "buddy system” where trained deaf leaders or volunteers assist community members during crises.

Role of advocacy and awareness

Deaf artist Yvonne Nkera recently held an art exhibition exploring the impact of climate change on disability rights, with a focus on the unique challenges faced by deaf people during natural disasters. She highlighted that deaf people often miss critical auditory warnings, such as sirens or emergency announcements, leaving them at high risk during crises.

"The lack of accessible evacuation routes, inadequate emergency procedures, and limited access to crucial information compromise our safety,” Nkera said.

Her exhibition advocated for better disaster risk management policies that include the needs of people with disabilities. Studies show that individuals with disabilities are up to four times more likely to die in disasters compared to those without disabilities.

Solutions

Mukashema noted that stakeholders should ensure that information is accessible to people with disabilities in all situations by prioritizing materials that accommodate visual, auditory, and cognitive disabilities. She also called for data disaggregation by disability, gender, and geographic region to analyze gaps in existing programmes and include disability-focused strategies in future climate action plans.

"Strengthening global collaboration between governments, NGOs, and climate action initiatives is crucial to developing inclusive policies and programs,” Mukashema said.

"People with disabilities must be given platforms to voice their concerns about how they are impacted by climate change, and Rwandan Sign Language should be recognized as an official language and disseminated across all sectors.”

Diane Niyonkuru, the Project Coordinator at RNADW, said: "We need to ensure that sign language interpreters are available during key disaster communication, including TV and public announcements.”

Niyonkuru urged for partnerships with deaf community organizations, governments, and agencies to distribute essential disaster preparedness materials in accessible formats. However, she noted that there is still a challenge with the delay in receiving alerts and the lack of clear, accessible communication during natural disasters.

"In some cases, essential information is provided verbally or in formats that are not easy for the deaf community to understand, such as without captions, written messages, or sign language interpretation,” she explained.

The country has policies and laws that promote people with disabilities but, according to activists, these frameworks often focus on general inclusivity and may not always address the specific needs of deaf people during a crisis.