Tamer Anis is an advocate and representative of the deaf and mute community in Egypt and is working to support the rights of this marginalized group to overcome the stereotypes that equate deafness with low intelligence. Through the work of his NGO, National Association for the Deaf, Tamer has made great strides to increase literacy and teach sign language to the deaf and mute as a means to connect them to their society to become active and participatory citizens.
Tamer has created a sign language dictionary to universalize sign language in the Middle East, which varies dramatically in each country. To create a bridge to the hearing world, Tamer teaches intermediaries such as teachers, social workers and parents of the deaf to learn sign language so they may engage and communicate better with society. His organization also helps deaf people access special tools and services, such as medical aids and special alarm clocks.
Through the work of his organization, Tamer has helped organize a number of special committees tasked to improve public services and serve as powerful advocates on behalf of the deaf and mute community. Tamer’s work has improved the economic and social conditions for the deaf and mute in Egypt and has helped to change society’s perception of those with special needs. In addition to being selected as a Synergos Arab World Social Innovator, Tamer was recognized as an Ashoka Fellow in 2003.
To Contact Tamer:
tbanis1964@hotmail.com
Tel: +25232804-202