PRESTONDALE resident, Shelley Ferreira has been named this year’s Talk Sign ambassador. The former Miss Deaf South Africa said the campaign, run by the KZN Blind & Deaf Society is unique to the province. The initiative encourages people to learn sign language as well as raise money through the sale of Talk Sign stickers to help educate and find employment for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Northglen News recently caught up with Ferreira, to find out what she had planned for the initiative.

“This is my third year being chosen as a Talk Sign ambassador and it’s an incredible honour to make our voices heard. It’s an important awareness initiative, mainly because the barriers between the hearing and non-hearing world are so vast. We want people to imagine everyday situations as a deaf person and realise the struggles they face to communicate,” Ferreira said.

Ferreira, who was born deaf said she understands the struggles of the deaf community. She will also be travelling to the Czech Republic later this year to be part of the Miss Deaf World Fashion Show.

“I’m really looking forward to taking part in such an awesome initiative. All the models are hearing-impaired and this is another way to raise awareness for the deaf community. At the moment I’m looking to incorporate a dress with an African theme,” she said.