First Sign Language Degrees in Cuba

The first Latin American graduates in Sign Language are proudly showing off their degrees today after completing their studies at the emblematic University of Havana.

This first graduating class includes 11 Cubans who began studying for their degrees in 2004 in workers' courses, which require extra effort and a lot more motivation.

That year, the almost 300-year-old university added that degree program, a decade after the Cuban school system officially recognized sign language in its special education schools.

The most outstanding graduate, Heisel Perez, stressed the privilege of having an education system that provides the tools to facilitate the integration of people with a hearing impediment.

According to the president of Cuba’s National Association of the Deaf, Alejandro Marzo, the graduation is an achievement for the 23,000 members of that organization.

"They recognize the work of professionals in order to strengthen and preserve sign language," Marzo said.