EVENTS

AMSLIC 2025 – The African Media Sign Language Interpreter Conference 2025

Theme: Connecting Worlds: Enhancing Media Accessibility through Sign Language Interpretation

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KeyNote Speaker

Helena Sikh

Helena Sikh, Fellingsbro folk high school, Örebro, Sweden

Helena has been a sign language interpreter since 1983. In 1984-1985 she studied at the sign language interpreting program in Leksand. During the 90´s she took different courses in pedagogics and methodology for future interpreter trainers at Linköping University and at Stockholm University. In January – August of 1996, she planned and did set up the SLI-interpreting program in Örebro. Helena has worked as an interpreter trainer since then: between 2012-2014 she took the program för Principals at Uppsala University and held a position as assistant Principal between 2013-2019. Then she went back to her favourite task i.e. teaching.

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-214x300

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

Naomie Koffi Kouakou

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.

Save The Date

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

SMG

The Standard Media Group

UNASLI Logo (1)

Uganda National Association of Sign Language

chs

Centre for Health Solutions

CTL

Charlotte Ticketing & Tours

Upcoming Events

International Week of Deaf People (IWDP) 2025, 22nd – 28th September

Theme: Sign up for Sign Language Rights

The International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) 2025, 23rd September

Sign Languages: A Bridge to Inclusion and Equality for Deaf People