ICT for the Deaf (ICTD) is a project that aims to create ICT skills training opportunities for the deaf community facing a language barrier in accessing ICT skills training in Tanzania. The vision of the Open University of Tanzania is to provide affordable quality education for all. In that perspective, the University is looking forward to creating enabling environment for persons with disabilities to fully participate in the creation and use of knowledge for enhancing socio-economic development. Project Objective: To create ICT skills training for the deaf community in African Context. Specific Objective: (a) To involve the deaf community to create ICT sign language. (b) To develop a website for sharing the ICT sign language created videos (c) To use ICT sign language to facilitate ICT skills training for the deaf. Results achieved: (a) ICT sign language created and uploaded in the website for sharing (https://www.out.ac.tz/vis/#) (b) More than 120 students who are deaf participated in ICT skills training of whom 20 have completed CISCO Networking courses (https://www.out.ac.tz/course/degree-in-hand-and-a-job-in-your-pocket/ ) Impact The deaf community is participating in the use of the internet to secure courses, information, leisure, and job opportunities offered by the Tanzania government and private sector.

https://www.out.ac.tz/vis/#

• United Republic of Tanzania

• People with disabilities

The project is replicable in African Region, international/ globally in areas where people face access to skills training for persons who are deaf. The project replication can be done by involving the deaf community in creating accessibility to ICT skills training solutions. One of the major setbacks on ICT skills training for the deaf is the barrier to communication.

Already the project was a reference when harmonizing Tanzania Sign Language and thus used the approach (https://amucta.mediasite.com/mediasite/showcase/lat). The youth who are deaf who were involved in the project have already developed knowledge and skills that can continue to be used in their daily life. The project is attached to Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institutions where ICT skills training can continue being offered.

WSIS value being promoted is that related to ` ICTs and Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities and Specific Needs`. This focuses on how ICT contributes to people living with disabilities and their contribution to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030. It is important to note that the participation of persons with disabilities in the implementation of SDGs might increase if ICT skills training opportunities for persons with different disabilities are implemented. More so, youth who are deaf face challenges of communication and hence rarely participate in the development agenda.