Workers at Canadian Hearing Services (CHS) in Ontario are on strike, demanding better support for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. The strike began on 28th April 2025, after negotiations between CHS management and the union, CUPE Local 2073, could not reach a solution. The workers, including audiologists, interpreters, and counselors, have been without a contract since March 31st and are demanding fair compensation and improved working conditions. They are also concerned about the organization's increasing reliance on virtual services, which may not be accessible to all clients, and the use of replacement workers during the strike. The workers are calling on CHS to return to the bargaining table and address their concerns to ensure continued quality services for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

ANA, a major airline in Japan, is making travel easier for Deaf and hard-of-hearing passengers. They have redesigned their sign language badges worn by cabin crew and airport staff. The new badges feature the words “sign languages” in English and Japanese, along with an illustration of two hands forming a heart, all on a bright pink background. This change helps passengers spot staff who can communicate in Japanese Sign Language. ANA has also expanded its remote sign language interpretation service to all airport counters nationwide. By scanning a QR code, passengers can access sign language support during check-in and other services.

A company in Botswana is helping Deaf children in rural areas by developing hearing aids that use sunlight to charge. The company is called Deaftronics and is run by Deaf people. Most hearing aids are too expensive or require batteries, which are hard to find in remote places. Deaftronics makes solar-powered chargers for hearing aid batteries so children can use them even if they don’t have electricity. This helps Deaf children access sound at school, which makes it easier for them to learn and communicate with others.

South Sudan’s Young Miss Deaf Africa 2021, Josphine Kidan, believes that South Sudan must learn sign language to break the barriers in communication. She encourages all Deaf schools to include South Sudanese Sign Language so that Deaf children can learn their first language, along with their parents. Before joining Miss Deaf Africa, Josphine struggled to communicate because no one around her understood South Sudanese Sign Language. After travelling around the world, she realised how important language access is for the Deaf community. She visited the Ustrantra Centre, which provides training in South Sudanese Sign Language and offers interpreter services. She urged the community to use this centre because it offers valuable support and education. Josphine also believes that, at the government level, all discussions about disability must include sign language. This will help the Deaf community learn and thrive in their own language. Her 5-year goal is to improve access to sign language across South Sudan and to break down communication barriers between Deaf and hearing people.

In South Africa, a 19-year-old student named Lorato Rasebpye submitted a complaint to the Human Rights Commission (HRC), saying that her rights were violated. She studies at Technikon Wits and has already paid her annual tuition fees. However, she was told to pay an additional R4,000 to cover the cost of South African Sign Language (SASL) interpreters. Lorato was upset because she believes her right to access language through SASL interpreters should be supported by the institution. It seemed unfair that Deaf students had to pay more than hearing students just to access their education equally. The Human Rights Commission is supporting her case and believes it is strong. However, a representative from Technikon Wits claimed that it is not discrimination, arguing that the interpreter cost applies to one student only and therefore, Lorato must cover it herself.