Deafness Around the World - From South Africa to Mexico

Deafness is international, and About.com has looked at international deaf communities in countries ranging from Argentina to South Africa. Deaf people in other countries have their own sign languages, cultures, and organizations.

Africa

South Africa
South Africa is one of the economically healthiest countries in Africa. The country has a national association for the deaf, multiple schools for the deaf, and its own sign language.

Asia

Australia
Australia has its own sign language called Auslan. It has many clubs for the deaf, and is home to the Cochlear Corporation.

China
China's deaf community is substantial. It boasts schools for the deaf, organizations for the deaf, even a technical college for the deaf.

India
Topics covered in this article include deaf education, nongovernmental organizations supporting deaf people in India, and the country's deaf history.

Europe

Armenia
Formerly part of the Soviet Union, Armenia is a small country with only two schools for the deaf and limited opportunities for deaf school graduates. Guest article by Marina Nercessian.

Germany
Germany has its own sign language, associations of the deaf, and plenty of deaf websites in German.

Ireland
Ireland has a handful of deaf associations, several schools, and its own sign language.

Latin America

Argentina
Argentina has its own sign language, a strong deaf community, and national organizations for the deaf.

Brazil
Brazil has multiple associations and schools for the deaf, and a thriving sign language.

Colombia
It is possible to go on deaf tours of Colombia, and the country has schools for the deaf and a clinic similar to the John Tracy Clinic in the United States.

Mexico
Mexico has schools for the deaf, its own sign language, and organizations including affiliates of the U.S. Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Peru
Peru is a relatively poor country, but does have an association for the deaf and its own sign language.

Middle East

Iran
Iran has numerous schools for the deaf, celebrates deafness annually, and even has its own cochlear implant center.

Other International Articles

International Deaf Missions and Ministries
Did you know that missionary groups spread faith and do other good works for deaf communities globally?