Deaf community feels marginalized in Saskatchewan, says human rights report

The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission is pushing for more sign language interpreters in the province. The commission has just released a report identifying some of the barriers faced by the deaf community.

Chief Commissioner David Arnot said people in the north suffer from a serious lack of access to services.

"There are seven trained and certified interpreters in Saskatchewan, as compared to Manitoba that has 70," he said. "So I think that is clearly an area that needs to improve."

The report also calls for universal screening of newborns and linking diagnosis with appropriate treatment.

Arnot said the commission is helping the deaf community to meet with policy makers to address these issues. He said he believes there is the political will to make changes.