On August 3, 2021, CGDS visited the Blind Institute in Sulaimani. Dr. Lynn Rose, CGDS Director of Research and Disability Studies, and Ms. Kali Yaseen, CGDS Research Assistant, met with the incoming Director of the Blind Union, Mr. Omer Khider Omer. We also met with Mr. Faraidon Sherzad, the president of the organization that serves deaf people. Mr. Paywand Shakhawan, the secretary of the organization, served as our translator of Kurdish Sign Language. We talked about barriers to accessibility for people with disabilities, and about possible projects together. We at CGDS believe that we must work toward disability equity along with equity for all people.
Image description: There are two photos, both in an office setting. In one, we see two smiling people in conversation, sitting on a patterned upholstered couch against a paneled brown wall. The woman is on the left in the photo, facing the man, who wears dark glasses, and is facing her. In the other photo, four people stand in front of a desk; there is a flag on either side of the desk. Two women are on the left in the photo; two men are on the right. All four have their hands clasped in front of them.