Accessible healthcare for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing in South Africa
A national healthcare, technology, and social justice initiative eliminating communication barriers in healthcare — powered by South African Sign Language, digital health tools, and institutional partnerships.
Who we are
Accessible healthcare for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in South Africa
The Deaf-Care Healthcare Initiative (DCHI) is a national healthcare, technology, and social justice initiative designed to eliminate communication barriers in healthcare for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals across South Africa. By integrating South African Sign Language (SASL), digital health tools, and institutional partnerships, DCHI enables equitable access to healthcare services in hospitals, clinics, emergency services, and educational environments.
What we stand for
Four areas of focus
DCHI integrates equity, language, and technology into one Deaf-centered healthcare ecosystem built to scale across the country.
Health Equity & Inclusion
Healthcare access treated as a right — with Deaf voices and leadership guiding the work.
SASL-Integrated Care
South African Sign Language placed at the centre of safe, dignified clinical communication.
Technology-Enabled Access
Digital health tools and on-demand interpretation that remove systemic barriers to care.
National Scale & Sustainability
A rollout aligned with public health policy, designed for long-term, country-wide impact.
Strategic partnership
In partnership with the Albert & Nokukhanya Luthuli Peace & Development Institute
DCHI is anchored in a long-term collaboration with the Albert & Nokukhanya Luthuli Peace & Development Institute, supporting its 10-year social justice strategic agenda. This partnership ensures strong governance, policy alignment, and national institutional credibility.
Our mission
Communication is central to safe and ethical care
To eliminate communication barriers in healthcare by integrating South African Sign Language (SASL), technology, and institutional partnerships — ensuring equitable, safe, and dignified care for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people across South Africa.
Our vision
A South Africa where Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals access healthcare without barriers, where clinicians communicate inclusively, and where technology, policy, and social justice work together for equal health outcomes.
Anchored for impact
DCHI operates as a Non-Profit Company (NPC), anchored through partnership with the Albert & Nokukhanya Luthuli Peace & Development Institute and its 10-year social justice agenda.
Our reach
National impact
National NPC-led initiative
Multi-sector partnerships across health, technology, and education
Scalable across provinces
Designed for public health system integration
Help us remove the barriers to care
Your support funds SASL interpretation, clinician training, and the technology that makes healthcare accessible for Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities across South Africa.