Projects with the Deaf

Anything For A Smile has conducted projects with the Deaf since 2008, privately, and in conjunction with the European Union and in cooperation with Turkey’s Ministry of Development SODES Program. Over 270 deaf students have taken courses via our program,including basic computer skills, graphic design, art, sailing, pastry skills, hotel services and Turkish literacy (reading and writing). The Deaf in other parts of the world have successful careers as doctors, microbiologists, scientists, doing legal research, and security work. Our goal is to make the same a reality for the Deaf in Turkey.

Turkish Sign Language Courses

When a deaf person goes to the hospital, he is not able to communicate, because at present hospitals do not have sign language interpreters, and the doctors or nurses do not know sign language. As a result, many deaf patients have been misdiagnosed and given the wrong medicine.

Our association organizes sign language courses for both hearing and deaf individuals. To date, 500 students have completed sign language courses here, including teachers, hospital personnel, parents of deaf children, and university students.

There are very few sign language interpreters in Turkey. By training sign language interpreters and deaf teachers, we lay the foundation for future expansion.

Deaf Children’s Summer Camps

Anything for a Smile organizes children’s summer camps for deaf children, where they are taught in sign language by both Deaf and hearing teachers.