HAD it not been for her teachers’ encouragement, Dymphna Simon may not have taken an interest in performing poetry. The 18-year-old deaf student from Keningau Vocational College in Sabah recently bagged the first prize in the sign language poetry category at the “American Charm” International Festival Online Competition. Keen to have his special needs students deliver their poems in sign language, he registered their names and guided the students together with the school’s special education teacher Avyasvina Istiniza Anak Unong. Echoing her sentiments, Sirhajwan said the initial process was difficult as it was their first attempt at performing sign language poetry. “There are many events today that can serve as an avenue for our special needs students to showcase their talents.
