Sands China Care Ambassadors Learn More About the Hard of Hearing

Over 100 Sands China Care Ambassadors learned about the deaf and the hard of hearing at events jointly organized by Sands China Ltd. and the Macau Deaf Association (MDA) at The Venetian Macao and at the MDA Service Centre for the Deaf.

Together, they discussed the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Established in 2006 by the U.N. General Assembly, the convention was established in 2008 in Macao and aims to “promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.”

“The Sands China Care Ambassadors have really shown an ongoing interest in working with MDA, and it’s wonderful that they continue to support our efforts toward social inclusion and understanding for Macao’s deaf and hard of hearing community,” said Nerissa Lau, Director of the Macau Deaf Association.

The Ambassadors learned about the government’s definition of disability and of its different levels. They were also introduced to the ways the Macao government and community provide assistance and services to the deaf and the hard of hearing, such as building barrier-free environments and providing priority service at government service offices like public utilities. They also got a lesson on the science of how hearing works, the indicators of hearing loss, and how to protect their own hearing. They also learned about the uniqueness of Macao Sign Language, and learned how to sign some of Macao’s famous cultural heritage sites like Templo de A-Má and the Ruins of St. Paul’s.

“One way I benefited from this experience was learning about how hearing loss can affect us over time as we age,” said one of the Ambassadors who participated. “Now I better understand the importance of protecting my hearing, especially as I get older.”

The Care Ambassadors’ previous events with MDA have included silent afternoon teas and sign language workshops – activities designed to enhance their understanding of the barriers caused by hearing loss, increase their knowledge of deafness, and learn about communication with the hard of hearing.

Sands China’s efforts in the local community, including the Sands China Care Ambassador program, are part of Sands Cares, Las Vegas Sands’ corporate giving program. Sands Cares continues to make communities better places to live through philanthropic giving, volunteerism and other in-kind support for organizations to promote a strong quality of life and foster an environment for growth.

The Sands China Care Ambassador program aims to give Sands China employees an opportunity to serve the local community by organizing community activities and initiatives that work toward creating a better Macao. With a current membership of more than 1,500 volunteers from across all Sands China properties, Ambassadors have contributed more than 10,000 hours of volunteer hours through over 100 activities since the program was founded in 2009. Sands China Ltd. considers the activities of the Care Ambassador program as central to its commitment toward social causes and community involvement as part of the Sands Cares program.