About Deaf Resource Centre
Our history, our values, and our dedication to promoting inclusive opportunities for Deaf people in Nigeria.
In Memory of Engineer Jonathan Tinat
Late Engineer Jonathan Tinat is the primary inspiration behind the establishment of the Deaf Resource Centre. He was the former President of the Nigeria National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) and passed away on the 12th of March, 2007 due to cerebral malaria. His leadership, brilliance, and dedication to the Deaf community remain a legacy that is fresh in our thoughts.
Late Jonathan Tinat studied mining engineering, but was rejected by employers in the mining sector purely due to his deafness, forcing him to work as a class teacher. To ensure that other deaf children in Nigeria do not have their dreams shattered, in 2015 Timothy Tinat, along with a group of deaf friends and sign language interpreters—Edison Shadebi, Jannice Radahl, and Christer Borg from Sweden—set up this charity in loving memory of Engineer Jonathan.
The Challenges We Address
- Information Isolation: The D/deaf are often excommunicated from public programs because announcements on radio, TV, and print media are inaccessible to them. We advocate for visual accessibility and Sign Language integration.
- Employment Discrimination: Many organizations reject qualified deaf applicants immediately. We prove their efficiency and secure placement opportunities.
- Family Communication Barrier: Most discrimination starts at home. Parents are rarely offered sign language courses, leading to communication gaps. We provide training to keep families connected.
- Religious & Social Inclusion: Many institutions treat deaf people as objects of charity rather than equal human beings. We work to include them as equal partners in all spheres.
Our Goals
We work to create access for the Deaf through innovative and attractive activities around their challenges, enabling social connections to end any form of discrimination and abuse.
Our Values
We believe in the intelligence, honesty, transparency, and capability of every Deaf citizen. We work to provide the resources that enhance their natural abilities.
Our Founders
Established in 2015 by Timothy Tinat along with sign language interpreters and friends from Sweden:
- Timothy Tinat (Founder)
- Edison Shadebi (Sign Interpreter)
- Jannice Radahl (Sweden)
- Christer Borg (Sweden)
Get Involved
Your donations keep our scholarship programs alive. Help support the Deaf Education (SDE) Program today.
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