The Free State Deaf Association has pleaded with the provincial Department of Community Safety and Transport, to invest in more resources to help people living with disabilities have easy access to transport.

The issue was discussed during the department’s launch of the transport hand signs initiative in Bloemfontein, which aims to ensure easy access to transport for persons with disabilities.

Free State Deaf Association’s chairperson, Albert Mofokeng says the investment will ensure inclusivity and help people with disabilities communicate better with transport operators.

Mofokeng says the programme should benefit the whole province and not be centered in Mangaung only.

“It is very important to keep the communication moving. It’s easy to sign, those signs are easy. All hearing people can get it; it can benefit everybody. At least now the department is working with us and has a relationship with us to build this. We need all the departments to include us.”