The Swedish Deaf Association (SDR) has formally requested the Children's Ombudsman to review legislation and policy documents to secure deaf children's right to sign language in preschools. According to SVT Nyheter, the organization sent a letter to Barnombudsmannen following concerns about staff reorganization at Snäcken preschool in Umeå and similar issues nationwide.
Erdem Akan, Secretary General of SDR, stated that the organization has observed multiple cases where deaf children's right to Swedish sign language in preschools is being dismantled or completely absent. "We have seen dismantling or complete absence of that right around the country," Akan said, citing Umeå municipality as an example where competent staff with expertise in deafness are being removed.
We have seen dismantling or complete absence of that right around the country
The Children's Ombudsman has responded to SDR's letter, explaining that the agency is small but has extensive responsibilities across multiple areas of children's rights, requiring prioritization. SDR views this response as weak, according to the report.
The issue highlights growing concerns among staff and guardians about the preservation of sign language rights for deaf children in Swedish preschools, with Umeå serving as a specific case that prompted the national advocacy effort.