Recognition respects individual choice
Law 43-23 recognised sign language as an official linguistic means for deaf people who freely choose to use it. It described the language as part of their cultural identity, with grammatical and vocabulary complexity comparable to spoken languages. The recognition applied throughout the country. [2]
Interpreters and bilingual education
Presidential legal adviser Antoliano Peralta outlined the state’s responsibility to support research, teaching and dissemination, alongside interpreters and guide-interpreters for access to services. The law also called for bilingual, bicultural education using sign language and Spanish. It addressed communication in public broadcasts and messages by national and local authorities. [1][2]
Deaf organisation helps build a learning resource
In its 2023 annual report, the National Disability Council, CONADIS, recorded the release of a printed official Dominican Sign Language Dictionary with more than 2,500 words. ANSORDO and the education ministry developed the project with the council, giving deaf community expertise a role in a resource made available to the public. [3]