International Consultant - Sign Language at UNICEF

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Title of Assignment

International Consultant - Sign Language

Section

Education

Location

Remote

Duration

17 days

Start date

From: 03/01/2021

From: 25/02/2021 (tentative)

Background and Justification

In pursuit of learning for all (SDG 4 in inclusive education settings, and in keeping with Article 24 of the CRPD and General Comment 4 of the CRPD Committee, UNICEF has been conducting wide- ranging consultations on Accessible Digital Textbooks (ADT) as a key lever for advancing access to the learning process and inclusion in school. Furthermore, solid partnerships have been established to advocate, develop standards and guidelines, both on the content and technical standards in accessible publishing, and is committed to maintaining a strong global advocacy and supporting national policy advancements on Inclusive Education.

In the majority of countries in Eastern and Southern Africa, the Language of Instruction for early grade learners is mother tongue or the language used in the school’s catchment area. For deaf children, their mother tongue is the local sign language. In the process of developing accessible digital textbooks, the appropriate sign language must be considered for learners who are deaf. In this regard, the aim of this consultancy is to develop a guidance on standards for local sign language usage in accessible learning materials. The standards developed will not only provide guidance to UNICEF but should also be relevant to similar digital learning initiatives seeking to enhance learning for children whose communication is primarily through sign language.

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and resultant school closures, learning materials that are accessible for all learning styles, have become even more critical. The pandemic has exacerbated inequalities. Vulnerable children who are socio-economically disadvantaged and children living with disabilities face increased difficulty to continue learning through the provisions made through various platforms such as radio, TV, and various digital options of e-learning. For TV lessons and digital learning to be effective, they should, amongst other features, have a sign language that the learner comprehends. The recruitment of the consultant is of particular importance to inform the development of effective accessible digital learning materials, not only curriculum materials but also readers and recreational reading material for deaf children.

Scope of Work

Goal and Objective:

Under the supervision of the Education Specialist, Equity; this consultancy will cover the following areas:

• With reference to language of instruction policies, good practices for effective learning in monolingual and multi-lingual school environments, provide the context for use of sign language to facilitate effective learning for learners with hearing disability.
• Highlight key principles that should be considered in the development of the sign language in accessible digital learning materials and other innovative digital materials and in particular.
• Draft a guidance document on the use of sign language in accessible digital materials that can serve as a reference for countries in the Eastern and Southern Africa region primarily but should also be able to inform countries seeking to develop accessible digital learning materials beyond the ESA region.
• Facilitate a multi-country meeting to discuss the draft guidance and thereafter finalise the guidance document.