A documentary series focusing on the experiences of Deaf Māori was released recently. The series, called “Being Turi”, is unique because it was directed by the only Deaf Māori director and highlights the rich culture and stories within this community. Turi means Deaf in Te Reo - Māori language. Deaf Māori people have different experiences to hearing Māori, because of their inability to hear. The series features 15 interviewees sharing their journeys, challenges, and successes. It shows how the Deaf Māori community navigate their journey in developing their Māori identity. 

A new museum dedicated to Finland’s Deaf history and culture recently opened in Helsinki on October 22, 2024. The new museum is said to offer an immersive experience that celebrates the rich heritage of the Deaf community. Located in the Valkea Talo building in Haaga, the Deaf Museum will provide free entry and feature modern technologies, including interactive displays and multimedia presentations. A highlight of the exhibition is a film about Carl Oscar Malm, a key figure who established Finland's first school for the Deaf in the mid-1800s. The museum and all it holds was created in collaboration with sign language professionals. 

The former CEO of the Wales Council for Deaf People (WCDP), Louise McGrath, has been sentenced to two years in prison, after fraudulently stealing £25,000 from the charity she was leading as CEO. McGrath, who is 49 years old, manipulated documents to take out multiple loans in the charity's name between 2019 and 2021, forging signatures and diverting funds into her personal account. Her actions were uncovered when new accountants alerted a trustee about suspicious loans, prompting an investigation that revealed the full extent of her fraudulent behaviors. 

The Deaf association has established a sign language center to teach Sudanese Sign Language, raise awareness, and encourage people to learn sign language. People can now attend the center to learn Sudanese Sign Language. The association established it because they wanted to promote better communication. They teach sign language to professionals such as court officials, police officers, and public service workers like those in hospitals, so they can communicate effectively with Deaf people, improving access to services and fostering better interactions through sign language.

The Deaf Association is lobbying to uplift the rights of Deaf women and children by teaching Sign Language and focusing on five key areas to improve their lives. 1. Vocational Training: This helps women develop job-related skills, such as hairdressing, sewing, or cooking, to secure employment in the future. 2. Community Awareness: The association raises awareness about sexual health, relationships, and childbirth in training centers where Deaf women can receive guidance and communication using Sign Language. 3. Support for Abuse Victims: In areas where many women have been abused and don’t know where to seek help, the association has established safe spaces. Here, women can get support, learn how to advocate for their rights and receive care from staff who have learned Sign Language to communicate effectively with Deaf abuse survivors. 4. Sign Language Education: Offering Sign Language education to youth improves their ability to access services and seek help, ensuring they can communicate effectively in critical situations. 5. Parent Support: When a Deaf child is born, parents often don’t know what to do. The center provides support and guidance, ensuring that both the parents and the child learn Sign Language, so they can communicate and understand each other from an early age. These five initiatives aim to improve access to services and uplift the rights of Deaf women and children in Rwanda.