Dr. John Bosco Conama:

From my experience, I know exactly what it is like being embarrassed about being a deaf person. When I was growing up, I remember being taught to be a hearing person and not to be using sign language in public. Times changed and I can compare that negative experience to the experiences of those in the Travelling community. I know many deaf people and I also meant know many members of the Travelling community who are deaf. They would have that double stigma. However, people are now more open. For example, I am in here today. Some 20 or 30 years ago, it was unthinkable to see interpreters in public places. Things are improving and are changing. For example, when going into a coffee shop and ordering something, people ask what the sign language for "thank you" is. Therefore, there is a gradual breaking down off those barriers. I cannot exactly compare it to the Travelling community's experience but members of the travelling community who are deaf have the double. I can talk about my lived experience. Those barriers are reducing and attitudes are changing gradually the stigma is lessening.