TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taiwanese Deaf Alliance (台灣聾人聯盟) raised concerns on Thursday (Jan. 23) about the impact of budget cuts on government agencies, pointing out that reductions have hindered the deaf community's access to timely policy and public information, affecting their fundamental rights.
On Tuesday (Jan. 21), the Legislative Yuan's passage of the central government's 2025 budget eliminated funding for the Executive Yuan's news and communication services, with the cut preventing the hiring of sign language interpreters. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) attended a press conference on Thursday without providing sign language services, citing the inability to hire interpreters due to the budget cuts.
Michelle Lee (李慧芝), the Executive Yuan spokesperson, apologized to viewers, explaining that the budget for the Executive Yuan's news department was entirely slashed, leaving them unable to employ sign language teachers. The Taiwanese Deaf Alliance has urged legislators to prioritize the information accessibility needs of the deaf community.
They call for the restoration of funds necessary for sign language interpretation services to ensure accessible and equitable information. As the government navigates these budgetary constraints, the alliance's appeal highlights the broader implications for information equity and the rights of the deaf community.