AMSLIC 2025 – The African Media Sign Language Interpreter Conference 2025
Theme: Connecting Worlds: Enhancing Media Accessibility through Sign Language Interpretation
KeyNote Speaker
Helena Sikh, Fellingsbro folk high school, Örebro, Sweden
She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, especially her two sons and their families. She has three wonderful grandchildren (the fourth on it´s way). She also enjoys all social events like cooking for others, hanging out with friends, cultural events like going to the movies and to the theatre.
Since 2004 she also works as an assessor for ”Kammarkollegiet”. Kammarkollegiet is the oldest public authority in Sweden. The public authority is responsible for the authorization of interpreters and translators in Sweden. Helena has also been involved and organized different international courses and seminars; among them a conference for European interpreter trainers in 2006 (90 delegates from 22 countries), a course for future interpreter trainers from Nigeria in 2015, and recently a similar course for a group from Kenya in 2024.
Wakio Njeru, Director of Equitable Future Think Tank
Wakio Njeru is a highly experienced Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) Interpreter and Communication Specialist with over a decade of expertise in linguistic accessibility and disability advocacy. She has collaborated with diverse organizations to develop and implement inclusive communication strategies, ensuring equitable access to information for the Deaf community.
As the Director of Equitable Future Think Tank, Wakio leads initiatives that promote disability inclusion, policy development, and stakeholder engagement. Her work encompasses advanced sign language interpretation, training, and research on linguistic accessibility. She is also an advocate for mental health awareness, emphasizing its intersection with disability rights.
With a deep understanding of linguistic structures, Deaf culture, and accessibility frameworks, Wakio continues to drive systemic change, fostering inclusive environments where persons with disabilities can fully participate in social, educational, and professional spaces
Andiswa Gebashe, a leading South African Sign Language activist
Andiswa Gebashe, a leading South African Sign Language activist
Andiswa Gebashe, a leading South African Sign Language activist, dialect coach, film and TV producer, and the dynamic founder of Andy Signs, a proudly Black woman-led organisation championing accessibility in media and public spaces.
Through Andy Signs, Andiswa has brought SASL to major national platforms such as the SAFTAs, SAMAs, Basadi in Music Awards, and Miss South Africa, and has collaborated with global names like Netflix and Takalani Sesame. In 2024, she received the Gauteng Disability Excellence Award for her outstanding work in inclusive communication.
Together, Andy Signs and REAH, a name that stands for “hear” spelled backward, reflecting their commitment to promoting African Sign Languages through innovative technology, are creating a more accessible, digitally inclusive Africa. One sign, one platform, one powerful story at a time.
Naomie Koffi Kouakou: A Voice for Media Accessibility for the Deaf
Naomie Koffi Kouakou is a sign language interpreter, journalist, and creator of inclusive content, dedicated to improving media accessibility for Deaf individuals. Her commitment began in 2003, while still in high school, when a chance encounter with Deaf people opened her eyes to the communication barriers they face. That moment sparked a journey deeply rooted in Deaf culture and a lasting drive for a more inclusive society.
She is the founder of the platform S’il me manquait la voix (2018) and co-founder of the NGO Society Without Barrier – Côte d’Ivoire, through which she promotes sign language via training programs, educational tools, and innovative advocacy projects.
Her engagement reached new heights during the COVID-19 pandemic, when televised news lacked sign language interpretation. In response, she began creating accessible content on social media, earning widespread recognition. This led to her role as the interpreter for Coronasolution, an inclusive weekly program broadcast on national television, addressing the challenges of information access during the crisis.
Naomie leads her own sign language consultancy firm and interprets for EdTech Mondays UEMOA, a Mastercard Foundation program aired across more than seven Francophone African countries. Blending journalism with interpreting, she champions inclusive practices at the heart of African media.
Prof. Michaael Ndurumo
Prof. Michaael Ndurumo attended Vanderbilt University in the United States where he obtained his Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and PhD degrees using services of interpreters. Before that, he attended Gallaudet. University for three years. Some of his notable professors were Prof. William Stokoe who was acknowledged that American Sign Language was a language in its own right; Prof. Gerille Gustason, who developed Signing Exact English (SEE) system; and Prof. Harry Bornstein who developed Signed English (SE) system. When he returned to Kenya, he worked at Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development where he guided in the development of Kenyan Sign Language which is now anchored in the Constitution of Kenya. He also guided in the development of the diploma in special education curriculum for Kenya Institute of Special Education in 1987. The curriculum
incorporates sign language and interpreting courses. In 2003 he joined Moi University as a senior lecturer and chairman of the Department of Educational Psychology. In 2009 he joined the University of Nairobi where he rose in rank to a full professor in 2020. Prof. Ndurumo is a prolific writer. His books, Exceptional Children:
Developmental Consequences and Intervention (1993) and Deaf Education, Advocacy and Public Policy in Kenya (2021) are used in universities. His third book on Research Methods will be published this year.
Between 1986 and 1987 he served as the founding chairman of Kenya National Association of the Deaf. He also served as a Commissioner in the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Education System of Kenya (1998-2000) which recommended Kenyan Sign Language to be taught in schools for the deaf. In 2000 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal (HSC) by the President of the Republic of Kenya, and in December 2012 Notable Educator of the Year by Malaika Trust.
DAY ONE: 23RD WEDNESDAY APRIL 2025
11:00AM – 12:00PM: Keynote Address:
Helena Sikh – Sweden
2:00PM – 2:50PM: Key Area Focus 1
Sign Language Interpreting: Mental Health
3:00PM – 4:00PM: Fireside Chat: Deaf Persons’ Perspective on Sign Language Interpreting in the Media
DAY TWO: 24TH THURSDAY APRIL 2025
10:00AM – 12:00PM: Plenary
Media Inclusion of Sign Language Interpreting and Its Impact on Broadcasting
2:00PM – 2:50PM: Key Area Focus 2
Best Practices for Sign Language Interpreting on TV
3:00PM – 3:50PM: Key Area Focus 3
Ethics in Sign Language Interpreting
DAY THREE: 25TH FRIDAY APRIL 2025
10:00AM – 12:00PM: Plenary:
Broadcasters Experience Working With Sign Language Interpreters
2:00PM – 2:50PM: Key Area Focus 4
Training of Media Sign Language Interpreters
3:00PM – 3:50PM: Sign Language Interpreting and Technology
Completed the first working prototype of our product, marking a significant milestone in our project timeline.
4:00PM – 4:30PM: Communique / Call to Action
Conducted comprehensive market analysis to refine our product features and target audience strategy.
Event Sponsors
The Standard Media Group
Uganda National Association of Sign Language
Centre for Health Solutions
Charlotte Ticketing & Tours