Yuvini Gounden

20/09/2025

Yesterday, I attended a workshop hosted by Deaf Empowerment Firm.

It was inspiring to hear from HR experts, Deaf leaders, Legal Aid, CCMA, Department of Employment and Labour, and DeafSA Gauteng.

One exercise really stood out: “Walk in my shoes.” As Deaf participants, we role-played different workplace scenarios with hearing participants: job applications, recruitment, onboarding, and unfair dismissal & labour disputes, but without interpreter or sign language access.

For our hearing participants, it was an eye-opening moment. They experienced firsthand how difficult and unfair it is when communication isn’t equal.

Workshops like these don’t just raise awareness—they spark change. 🌍 I’m excited to see how these entities will take what they learned to open more doors for Deaf employees in South Africa.

And it’s not just up to them. We, the Deaf community, must keep raising our voices and educating others until awareness grows into true inclusion. ✊🏽

18/09/2025

What an inspiring day!

I was invited to DEAFinition NPC/ Employ and Empower Deaf -Pty Ltd's “Seeing Beyond the Silence” event to showcase Yuvini’s Crafts, my handmade products that combines SASL and Deaf culture.

It was also an honor to hear Brent Lindeque ( Good Things Guy) speak about "Purpose and Passion". That message reminds me that I hold my passion with my purpose.

Balancing both purpose and passion with my full-time work and Yuvini's Crafts can be very overwhelming. Meeting orders on time, preparing for markets, replying to WhatsApp messages, and building my website (still in progress) often feels like too much, especially during tough times.❤️‍🩹

But moments like today, where visitors connected with and purchased my products, remind me why I keep going.

Deaf Awareness is about more than learning signs, it’s about valuing Deaf creativity, supporting Deaf-owned businesses, recognising Deaf voices, and building real inclusion. 💙

Thank you Brent and DEAFinition / eDeaf for this incredible experience!🙌

08/09/2025

Did you miss my face… or is it time to learn South African Sign Language? 😉

06/09/2025

💙 Happy 50th to Lions Deaf Cricket! 🏏

Thank you for your tireless advocacy and for keeping the spirit of Deaf youth alive in sport. Your history and achievements are a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of inclusion in a hearing world.

👏 Well done for making it possible for Central Gauteng Lions (CGL) to join hands with few Deaf schools, giving Deaf youth the chance to learn cricket and shine. The future of Deaf sports is bright because of efforts like yours!

This Deaf Awareness Month reminds us: accessibility isn’t only about communication — it belongs in every field: sports, education, careers, and beyond.

Here’s to the next 50 years of breaking barriers and building inclusion. 🤟

Lions Cricket News

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05/09/2025

How do you approach a Deaf person? 👋

❌ Don’t: Shout louder.
❌ Don’t: Say “never mind.”
❌ Don’t: Stand with bright light behind you — it makes your face dark.

✅ Do: Wave, smile, or gently tap on the shoulder.
✅ Do: Use gestures, write it down, or type on your phone. Hint: learn basic SASL!
✅ Do: Make sure your face is bright and visible.

Deaf people rely on eye contact and good lighting because we communicate visually.

It’s not about being perfect — it’s about trying.
That effort makes all the difference. 💙

04/09/2025

One of the reasons why we should learn sign language and understand Deaf culture.

Happy learning! ☺️

03/09/2025

Me explaining why you should learn sign language:
👉 It’s not just cool… it’s powerful.
👉 It’s not just hand waving… it’s real conversations.
👉 It’s not just for Deaf people.

Imagine living in a world where people don’t speak your language — that’s daily life for many Deaf people.

Learning sign language isn’t about knowing every sign perfectly — it’s about showing respect, breaking barriers, and creating inclusion.

It’s for everyone who cares about accessibility and connection. 💙

So… when will you start learning? 🤔🤟

02/09/2025

Convo South Africa is all about making communication more accessible for the Deaf community in daily life. Have you given it a try?☺️

An app developed by Convo has is including the Deaf Community in conversations and effectively engage with society.

01/09/2025

Hello September! 👋 It’s ! 💙

This month is dedicated to celebrating the language, culture, and diversity of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HoH) community. It’s also a chance to highlight the beauty and importance of South African Sign Language (SASL).

Every day offers an opportunity to learn, connect, and grow together. So, let’s start small: What would you love to learn about Deaf Awareness? ☺️

16/08/2025

I would love to see more Deaf facilitators and tutors leading SASL classes, teaching it as their first language. ✨

To my Deaf audience in South Africa, would you be interested in teaching SASL? This is such a valuable opportunity to grow, share your knowledge, and strengthen your skills in teaching our language. Let’s build more spaces where SASL is taught by Deaf people, for our community and beyond. 🤟

14/08/2025

Throwback to last Thursday when I had the honour of attending Women in Tech South Africa. The theme "Boldly Visible" reminded me to be heard, be seen, and be bold. As a Deaf woman passionate about storytelling around accessibility and inclusion, I’ve learned that boldness doesn’t always mean volume—it can be presence, purpose, and signing your truth.

I was also thrilled to see Convo South Africa providing South African Sign Language interpreters for the event—showing the business world just how powerful true inclusion can be, and how important it is to ensure everyone is part of the conversation, including the Deaf community.

I left inspired to keep showing up—boldly, authentically, and proudly Deaf.

24/05/2025

What does 'looking Deaf' even mean? Style doesn’t define our identity. Deaf people come in all looks, outfits, and vibes. Stop the stereotypes. Duh.