Lifelong Education School to Provide Sign Language Interpretation for Students with Hearing Disabilities

Acceptance of Human Rights Commission's Recommendation to Provide Sign Language Interpretation

A school operating as a lifelong education institution that recognizes academic credits has announced its acceptance of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea's recommendation to provide sign language interpretation for students with hearing disabilities.

On the 9th of last month, a volunteer was teaching sign language to citizens at the 2026 Together Seoul Nuri Festival held at the Culture Square of Yeouido Park, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. This is not directly related to the article. Photo by Yonhap News.

The National Human Rights Commission stated on the 13th that the school, which had previously instructed students with hearing disabilities to find and bring their own interpreters, has now responded that it will accept the commission’s recommendation. The school replied that it has contracted sign language interpreters to provide interpretation during in-person classes, written exams, and school events. Additionally, the relevant provincial and metropolitan office of education, as the supervisory authority, stated that it will include budget allocations to support hearing-impaired students at local cyber middle and high schools.

According to the commission, the affected student had been attending in-person classes accompanied by a child who could use sign language, as no interpretation support was provided. Later, the sign language interpreter filed a complaint to the commission on behalf of the student. As this school operates a credit recognition program that requires in-person attendance only twice a month, it is difficult for students to complete their coursework if they miss these attendance days.

The commission determined that, under the “Act on the Prohibition of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities, Remedy against Infringement of their Rights, etc.” and the “Elementary and Secondary Education Act,” schools are obligated to provide necessary accommodations for students with disabilities. While acknowledging that sign language interpretation incurs significant costs, the commission recommended that the school should actively cooperate with related agencies to secure additional funding, and that the education office should also provide the necessary budgetary support.

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