deaftouch

29/11/2025

21/11/2025

🔹 Gender-Based Violence Affects Everyone – Men, Boys & the Deaf Community 🔹

Hard facts (WHO, CDC, RIT/NTID studies):
- 1 in 6–20 boys sexually abused before 18; up to 40% by women (often relatives).
- 1 in 4–7 men face physical/sexual/psychological violence.
- Deaf & hard-of-hearing people: **2× higher** risk of domestic violence & sexual assault.
- Deaf children: **25%+** higher abuse rates – abusers exploit silence by hiding devices, injuring signing hands, controlling interpreters.

Right now, most GBV hotlines are voice only. Deaf survivors are left with no safe, immediate way to reach help in their language.

Your story matters. Your pain is valid. You deserve to be heard – in sign language.

Support DeafTouch in launching the first fully accessible GBV hotline for Deaf survivors across South Africa operated by trained agents, in sign language, 24/7.

Donate | Partner | Share → [email protected]
Every contribution brings us closer to a hotline that finally says: “You are not alone and we understand you.”

Break the silence!

🤟💜

13/11/2025

A Blessed and Happy birthday to one of our founding members and CSO Gashwen Du Plessis.

What an Honour and Privilege it is to walk this journey with you.

Many don't know the work you do for us as an organization and the value that has brought as we break new ground and sail unknown waters.

May all Your days be blessed!

06/11/2025

A Night of Triumph and Purpose
Deaftouch Tops the SME Category at the Sunday Times Top 100 Companies Awards!

Last night, under the spotlight of South Africa’s most prestigious business event the Sunday Times Top 100 Companies Awards, hosted by Sunday Times, BCX, and Deloitte we are deeply honoured to be named the #1 SME in our category.

This recognition is far more than a trophy; it’s a powerful validation of our mission at deaftouch to build inclusive platforms that connect the Deaf community to essential services, spark skills development, and open doors to meaningful employment and empowerment.

In a room full of innovators, this award reminds us that true leadership is about lifting others up. We’re profoundly grateful to the visionary partners and champions who’ve walked this journey with us from those who’ve sponsored initiatives, mentored our teams, and advocated for accessibility, to our incredible collaborators:
Resilient Innovations | Deaf Empowerment Firm | BPESA | People Solutions SA | Wazee Africa | Gauteng Growth and Development Agency | Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED) | Jobs Boost
Your unwavering support assists in building the platform for the community.

Imagine the impact when inclusion isn’t a checkbox but the core of your strategy. Let’s continue to build workplaces where every talent thrives, because diversity isn’t just ethical; it’s exponential for innovation and growth.

Here’s to more breakthroughs, bolder conversations, and a South Africa where no voice is left unheard.

Massive congratulations to the other top-rated companies Dipula Property Management, Fairvest Limited and Alphamin Resources Corp (AFMJF) for your remarkable achievements.

06/11/2025

The winners of the 2025 BCX have been announced at tonight's prestigious Sunday Times ZA Awards.

Congratulations to deaftouch in the SME category and ShopRite group of companies in the Corporate/Public Sector category. The Shoprite Group of Companies' solution and DeafTouch’s CallCentre solution impressed and excited our judging panel. South Africa’s spirit of innovation is thriving, and we cannot wait to see what you do next!

03/10/2025

What an incredible day at the Convo South Africa Access Launch Event hosted at Rosebank Mall!

Thrilled to celebrate this milestone alongside Convo and their partnership with Rosebank Mall to bring relay services to their stores, creating a truly inclusive shopping experience.

A huge thank you to Chelsea Williamson from Convo for the warm catch-up, and it was a joy to reconnect with familiar faces like Alex Msitshana (She/Her) from Deaf Empowerment Firm while meeting inspiring new ones, including, Nazereen Captieux-Bhana the dynamic CEO of eDEAF.

The event shone a spotlight on the power of communication and the Deaf community’s right to connect in their own language.

With SASL now officially recognized, it’s time to champion this right and ensure every voice is heard. Let’s keep the momentum going through collaboration and innovation!

Who’s joining me in supporting Deaf-led progress and inclusive tech? Share your thoughts or tag a collaborator below!

30/09/2025

✨ Couldn’t join us live? We’ve got you covered!

On September 29th, we hosted an inspiring webinar:🎤 Breaking the Sound Barrier with deaftouch
2025 Theme: No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights
Sub-Theme: Building Inclusive Communication Systems for the Caribbean

Led by Claybourne Appies, Founder of deaftouch, and joined by Hon. Joachim Henry, Minister of Equity — we explored the future of inclusive tech, the launch of the first Deaf-to-Deaf Call Center, and real opportunities for Saint Lucia to lead the way in accessibility.

🌟 If you missed the live broadcast, don’t worry — you can watch the replay anytime!
👉 Click here to access the replay https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/Z9BVRBSXBAUEA

Every replay access also helps fund the 2026 Deaf-to-Deaf Call Center Pilot Project in Saint Lucia — empowering 30 individuals through training, skills development, and inclusive employment.

deaftouch Sludtera Inc. Global Entrepreneurship Network Office of the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia

11/08/2025

Breaking Barriers, Building Bridge!

Last Friday, our doors at deaftouch swung open to welcome the incredible team from the Tshwane Deaf Association (TDA). Led by their passionate director Mosala Makhetha, they came seeking to understand our world why Deaftouch exists, our bold vision to bridge divides, and our mission to empower the Deaf community through innovative communication and support.

As we shared stories, I was deeply moved by the amazing work TDA does every day: advocating tirelessly, breaking barriers, and uplifting lives in ways that truly transform. But the real magic unfolded when we dove into collaboration how partnering our strengths can amplify impact, creating ripples of change far beyond what we could achieve alone.

One moment stole my heart: Our raw conversation on the stigmas that silently divide the Deaf and hearing worlds. These invisible walls breed inequalities, inefficiencies, and painful differences, keeping us apart when we should be standing together. Imagine a world where we shatter those stigmas hand-in-hand, building bridges of understanding, equality, and shared humanity.

It's not just a dream it's our calling!

At Deaftouch, we're more than an organization; we're a catalyst for unity and innovation. If you're passionate about creating real impact in the Deaf community, let's collaborate! Whether through tech-driven solutions, advocacy, or community programs, Deaftouch is your dedicated partner in turning vision into reality.

Who's ready to join forces and create a more inclusive world? Drop a comment below, share your thoughts, or DM us to explore possibilities. Together, we rise! 🤟

21/07/2025

Excited for the the journey ahead!