ERGON STORY
About Ergon
Our work is centered around four key themes. Our programs, developed in partnership with local collaborators, integrate these themes, making them unique, diverse, and, most importantly, Deaf-led!
Rights
We are committed to ensuring that Deaf individuals have the ability to self-determine and self-advocate, with access to support in their chosen form of communication—whether it's Sign Language, sign-supported speech, oral methods, or others. Whatever the choice, Deaf individuals have the right to self-express and self-represent!
We believe that Deaf people have the right to be protected from physical, mental, sexual, and violent abuse, as well as neglect. They have a fundamental right to protection.
Professionals working with Ergon must understand the rights of Deaf individuals and provide appropriate access and protection.
Our work is rights-based, and we expect all our partners to uphold the same values.
Livelihoods
We aim to support Deaf individuals in developing skills for work and ensure sustainable employment and livelihood opportunities.
We are committed to supporting local Deaf enterprises and fostering entrepreneurship to promote the development of self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-determination—empowering D/deaf individuals to become the person they want to be!
Access to Appropriate Technology
We aim to empower D/deaf individuals and their families to make the most of technology, testing, trialling, and adapting new approaches that promote true inclusion.
​
We strive to enable D/deaf rights, healthcare, and education providers to leverage technologies, ensuring that D/deaf people can exercise their right to access quality services.
​​
Wellbeing
We are dedicated to ensuring that the global health and development community responds to the unique communication, cultural, and linguistic needs of Deaf individuals.
​
We are passionate about ensuring that Deaf people have access to quality ear and hearing care. We will collaborate with ENT and audiological providers to create the best possible care pathways.
​
We also aim to address the challenges of mental health and deafness, working with leading mental health practitioners to ensure that Deaf individuals can access high-quality, person-centred support.