Fiji Association for the Deaf

Fiji Association for the Deaf (FAD) is a self-help group run by the Deaf for the Deaf. FAD was formed in 2002 and is the only Deaf association in Fiji. FAD works to advocate for, empower, and educate people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Fiji Association for the Deaf has two Associations under its umbrella: Central/Eastern Association of the Deaf and Western Association of the Deaf.

FAD is an affiliate of the Fiji Disabled Peoples Association (FDPA), which is a national self-help group, established in 1984.

Mission

To provide people who are Deaf with equal opportunities so that they can live as equal members in the society. To help people who are Deaf gain independence and the ability to advocate for their own needs.

FAD is advocating for equal rights for people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, as made apparent in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which was signed by the Fiji Government in 2010.

FAD want to have a strong, properly organized and well equipped Association that advocates Deafness and that people who are Deaf should be recognized as equal citizens of Fiji.

FAD is committed to providing:

¨ Sign language classes

¨ Sign language training  for staff working with  deaf people

¨ Employment services for deaf people

¨ Awareness activities for the general community

¨ Community services such as sporting teams and events for deaf people

¨ A Fiji Sign Language Dictionary

¨ Training of deaf members in human rights, advocacy and Fiji sign language research

News and Events

8 July 2011 - The Central Eastern Division Paralympic Games took place at the National Stadium in Suva on Friday 8 July. The Games included students from special schools across the region, including Hilton Special School, Suva Special School, Gospel School for the Deaf, Nausori Special School, and Levuka Special School. Activities included athletics, volleyball, netball, and rugby matches. The day was hugely successful in bringing children and adults with disabilities together in friendly competition and strengthening networks within the region.

FAD is raising money and awareness for the Fiji Deaf Rugby Championships, to be held in Lautoka in August 2011. Fiji is hosting the inaugural Championship and will play against Deaf Rugby teams from Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. FAD is raising money to assist in paying for the players' meals and accommodation during training and the Championship itself.

Executive Committee

Current Projects

27 June 2011 - FAD is currently receiving funding from the Disability Rights Fund and the Tides Foundation in order to raise awareness of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Funds have been allocated to FAD to run workshops with various Government Ministries, conduct Deaf Awareness Weeks around Fiji, and run a media campaign to educate people on the deaf community and what they need in order to enjoy equal access and equal enjoyment of life. Funding will continue until January 2012.