The Imam Hussain Academy for the Deaf, affiliated with the Health and Medical Education Authority at the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him), has been officially granted affiliated membership by the Arab Organization for Sign Language Interpreters. This marks the first such recognition in Iraq, positioning the Academy as a leading institution in the Arab world for deaf education and interpreter training.

Academy Director Bassem Al-Atwani confirmed the announcement following the visit of the organization’s president, Abdul-Wasi’ Majli, who reviewed the Academy’s programs and services. Al-Atwani described the membership as a “historic step” that will support the Academy’s growth on both regional and international levels.

During the visit, both sides agreed to sign an international cooperation protocol and jointly organize a major conference in Karbala, which will gather prominent sign language interpreters from across the Arab world. The event aims to spotlight the rights of interpreters, advocate for supportive legislation, and develop recommendations to improve services for the deaf community.

“This conference will be the first of its kind in the region and will help elevate the status of Arabic sign language interpreters,” Al-Atwani said, praising the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine for its continued support of humanitarian and educational initiatives.

Ebrahim Al-Owaini