IMU Cares, the Office of Community Engagement and Sustainability at IMU University, successfully hosted the Deaf Aware and Ready Health Carnival on 9 February 2025 at IMU University‘s Main Campus in Bukit Jalil. This groundbreaking event dedicated to enhancing healthcare accessibility for the Deaf community, marked a major milestone under IMU’s Deaf Aware and Ready (DeAR) initiative.
A highlight of the event was the involvement of interpreters trained through the inaugural ‘Medical Basics for Sign Language Interpreters’ course, led by Prof Suneet Sood from IMU’s School of Medicine. This programme equipped interpreters with specialised medical knowledge to bridge communication gaps between healthcare providers and Deaf patients. These interpreters also ensured effective communication and accessibility throughout the event.
The event drew a remarkable 150 participants from across Malaysia, with members of the Deaf community travelling from as far as Perlis and Johor to attend. The event was supported by 89 dedicated students and staff who volunteered their time and expertise to ensure the event’s success.
“Our ultimate goal has been to establish IMU as a Deaf-ready and Deaf-aware institution,” said Prof Khoo Suan Phaik, Dean of Community Engagement and Sustainability at IMU.
“Since the pandemic, we have made significant strides toward this vision. Across our Bukit Jalil and Seremban campuses, we’ve conducted Deaf awareness activities and offered sign language courses. We also collaborated with Deaf schools to provide essential health screenings, with interpreters assisting families. Across all four campuses—Bukit Jalil, Seremban, Batu Pahat, and Kluang—we engaged with local Deaf schools to promote digital literacy and build supportive learning environments.”
Our Vice Chancellor, Academician Professor Emerita Datuk Dr Asma Ismail, emphasized IMU’s broader mission of inclusivity by stating:
“IMU’s journey to becoming a Deaf-aware and ready institution fosters a culture where diversity is celebrated, communication is barrier-free, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive. By embracing inclusivity, IMU is preparing not just graduates, but compassionate leaders who will shape a more just and equitable world.”
The Health Carnival offered a variety of free health services tailored to meet the unique needs of the Deaf community, including:
- Diabetes and high blood pressure screenings
- HPV screenings (in collaboration with the ROSE Foundation)
- Breast cancer awareness initiatives
- Eye screenings
- Chiropractic spinal screenings
- Traditional Chinese medicine therapies
- A mental health talk focusing on mental well-being within the Deaf community
Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) interpreters were present at all service stations, ensuring inclusivity and effective communication for all attendees.
To further demonstrate its commitment, IMU Cares allocated additional support towards follow-up treatments for Deaf patients throughout the year. Eligible individuals were required to meet specific criteria and register with IMU Cares to access these treatments.
The success of the Deaf Aware and Ready Health Carnival underscored IMU’s ongoing mission to foster accessible, inclusive, and equitable healthcare. This initiative empowered students, faculty, and interpreters to provide the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community with the care, respect, and attention they deserve.
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