Around 100 Sands China Care Ambassadors learned about the deaf and the hard of hearing last week at events jointly organized by Sands China Ltd. and the Macau Deaf Association (MDA) at The Venetian Macao and at the MDA Service Centre for the Deaf.
Together, they discussed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Established in 2006 by the UN General Assembly, the convention entered into force in China, including in the Macao SAR, in 2008. It aims to “promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.”
The Care Ambassadors learned about the Macao SAR government’s definition of disability and of its different levels. They were also introduced to the ways the Macau government and community provide assistance and services to the deaf and the hard of hearing, such as building barrier-free environments and providing priority service at government service offices like public utilities.
The Care Ambassadors also enjoyed a lesson on the science of how hearing works, the indicators of hearing loss and how to protect their own hearing. They also learned about the uniqueness of Macao Sign Language, and learned how to sign some of Macau’s famous cultural heritage sites, like Templo de A-Má and the Ruins of St. Paul’s.
The activities aimed to enrich the Care Ambassadors’ experiences and enhance their understanding of people with disabilities, helping them better understand the community’s needs and the services available.
“One way I benefited from this experience was learning about how hearing loss can affect us over time as we age,” said one of the Care Ambassadors who participated. “Now I better understand the importance of protecting my hearing, especially as I get older.”
Nerissa Lau, director of the Macau Deaf Association, said: “The Sands China Care Ambassadors have really shown an ongoing interest in working with MDA, and it’s wonderful that they continue to support our efforts toward social inclusion and understanding for Macau’s deaf and hard of hearing community.”
The Care Ambassadors’ previous events with MDA have included silent afternoon teas and sign language workshops – activities designed to enhance their understanding of the barriers caused by hearing loss, increase their knowledge of deafness and learn about communication with the hard of hearing.
Sands China’s efforts in the local community, including the Sands China Care Ambassador programme, are part of Sands Cares, the corporate giving programme of parent company Las Vegas Sands Corp. Sands Cares integrates the company’s philanthropic work worldwide, including financial giving, team member volunteerism and in-kind support. The Sands Cares programme seeks to make an impact on its team members and those working in the hospitality industry, the communities where the company operates, and the planet.
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