Since September 2021, this project, led by Laurence Meurant, has provided sign language interpretation (via professional interpreters) of academic events (departmental meetings) and scientific events (workshops, colloquia) bringing together deaf and hearing people. Certain highlights of the academic year have also been interpreted, so that deaf and hard-of-hearing staff members can participate in the same way as other staff members.

This initiative is now being continued and extended. Thus, interpretation will be offered at the official academic start-up ceremony on 29 September, and at two of the Grandes Conférences Namuroises. A specific logo will be affixed to the visuals of these events, which will be made accessible in sign language.

This project contributes, in a more global way, to make the UNamur campus more inclusive towards deaf and hard of hearing people, whether they are students or the public (for more widely accessible events). He also reminds us of UNamur's position as a pioneering and recognised centre of expertise in the field of deafness, thanks to the collaborations and projects deployed by the LSFB-Lab in collaboration with the NADI Institute (Pr. A. Cleve, Pr. B. Frénay and their teams), the non-profit organisation École et surdité, the Centre Scolaire Sainte-Marie in Namur and the City of Namur.

More information about the UNamur expertise in sign language