DEAF EMPOWERMENT & ACCESS THROUGH LITERACY
Empowering Deaf children, youth, and adults in Ghana through accessible education, social-emotional learning, literacy advancement, and leadership development programs rooted in Deaf culture and community engagement.
Our Vision
To build an inclusive Ghana where Deaf individuals have equitable access to education, social-emotional support, literacy development, and leadership opportunities.
Our Values
Language Access & Equity
We believe full language access is essential to empowerment, learning, and opportunity.
Literacy & Learning
We promote literacy and intellectual curiosity as foundations for academic and personal growth.
Community & Service
We foster responsibility and empathy through meaningful community engagement.
Deaf Culture & Identity
We honor Deaf culture, pride, and lived experience while uplifting diverse identities.
Leadership & Self-Advocacy
We cultivate confident leaders who communicate effectively and advocate for themselves and others.
Global Awareness
We value cross-cultural learning and global experiences that broaden perspectives.
Inclusion & Collaboration
We partner with families, schools, and communities to create inclusive, accessible opportunities.
Our Co-Founders
Eric Sapey Jr.
Eric Sapey Jr. is a social work professional, Deaf inclusion advocate, Christian educator, and he himself a Deaf-educated representative is dedicated to advancing accessibility and equitable participation for Deaf individuals in community and faith-based settings. As a co-founder of D.E.A.L. Ghana, he is deeply committed to uplifting Deaf culture and promoting it with pride. He holds a Bachelor’s degree and diploma in Social Work, along with diplomas in Bible Theory and certificate in Ghanaian Sign Language, equipping him with both academic and practical communication expertise.
His work spans Deaf ministry development, sign language instruction, Bible teaching, and family support. Eric has played a key role in advocacy, language access, and community development in his former role as Project Assistant at Ghana National Association for the Deaf (GNAD) for over 14 years. He is also actively engaged in improving institutional accessibility through advocacy, policy development, and capacity building.
Known for his clear, culturally responsive teaching style, Eric uses visual methods and sign language to effectively engage Deaf audiences. His work is grounded in human dignity, with a continued focus on expanding access to education, worship, and social services for Deaf communities.
Kwadwo Sakyi
Joseph Sakyi Apawu, widely known as Kwadwo Sakyi, is all things entertainment; a journalist, a podcast host, and one of the co-founders of D.E.A.L. Ghana. He holds both a Bachelor’s Degree and a Diploma in Communication Studies from the Ghana Institute of Journalism (G.I.J.).
With over a decade of combined experience as a media reporter and Human Resources Administrative Assistant, Kwadwo has developed a deep awareness of the underrepresented individuals with special needs. His perspective is further shaped by personal connections with family members and acquaintances within the disability community, which has fueled his passion for advocacy and inclusion at both the local and national levels.
As a professional communicator, Kwadwo is committed to amplifying marginalized voices and expanding his advocacy efforts to reach broader communities across the nation. He actively uses his platforms to engage policymakers and stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of inclusive dialogue and equitable access.
Preceding his involvement with D.E.A.L. Ghana, Kwadwo maintained a strong curiosity about access in public settings for individuals with physical limitations as well as within the Deaf community. Through his work with the organization, he has been privileged to help bridge the communication gap between Deaf and hearing individuals. He believes that communication extends beyond spoken words—it encompasses gestures, visual expression, facial cues, and sign language. Through this understanding, he champions access to language and literacy as a fundamental right for all.
