INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON SIGN LANGUAGE OPENS IN ZAGREB

ZAGREB, May 3 (Hina) - Sign language is exceptionally important in the education and communication of deaf and deaf and blind persons, it was said at the beginning of an international seminar entitled "Sign Language and the Culture of the Deaf", which opened in Zagreb on Thursday. The purpose of the three-day gathering is to increase the awareness of the importance of sign language and present its various aspects with the aim of increasing the quality of its use. Croatia should legally regulate the rights of disabled persons this year, Labour and Welfare Minister Davorko Vidovic said adding a bill on professional rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons was being drawn up. Sign language in Croatia is developing rather slowly and any progress is welcome, said a representative of the World Federation of the Deaf, Serena Corazza. British Ambassador Nicholas Jarrold presented a translation of a sign language dictionary, which should facilitate the training of volunteers working with deaf persons. The translation from English into Croatian was financially supported by the British Embassy. The seminar includes other cultural events such as theatre performances and an exhibition of works of deaf and deaf and blind persons. (hina) rml