About & Impact
From disaster response to nationwide healthcare accessibility.
80+
Deaf patients served nationwide via teleconsultation
3
Batches of hospital frontliners trained
50%+
Female patients reached
2014
Year the project began
Our Story
"Tulay" means bridge. "Senyas" means sign. TulaySenyas is literally a Bridge of Signs - connecting the Filipino Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community with the healthcare system through Filipino Sign Language.
The project was born from the Stanford School of Medicine-funded documentary "After Haiyan: Health Narratives in the Aftermath of the Typhoon" (2014). The film highlighted a critical gap: during Typhoon Yolanda, the Deaf community in Tacloban was completely left behind because no healthcare workers could communicate with them.
This inspired Dr. Hazel Anne Lamadrid-Catublas of Adamson University - College of Pharmacy to develop research-based training materials for medication instruction delivery to Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing patients.
Timeline
After Haiyan
Stanford School of Medicine funds the documentary 'After Haiyan', highlighting how the Deaf community in Tacloban was left behind during Typhoon Yolanda - no healthcare workers could communicate with deaf patients.
Research Begins
Dr. Hazel Anne Lamadrid-Catublas (Adamson University - College of Pharmacy) develops research-based training materials for medication instruction delivery to Deaf/HOH patients.
Guidebook Published
The Training Materials guidebook is published, along with the FSL Instructional Video. Materials validated by Deaf organization leaders, pharmacists, FSL consultants, and sign linguists.
COVID-19 Response
HAT4COVID19 (Healthcare Access Team for the Deaf on COVID-19) volunteer doctors use TulaySenyas materials for teleconsultation with 80+ Deaf patients nationwide.
National Recognition
Referenced by USAID/RTI International's SRH IS for DEAF module. Used by Philippine Society of SRH Nurses and LGU vs COVID PH.
HEARD Program
DeAF partners with Manila Doctors Hospital to train 3 batches of frontliners. Trained frontliners in Palo (Leyte), San Julian (Eastern Samar), and IOM partner networks.
Platform Rebuild
TulaySenyas.com is restored and rebuilt on a modern, accessible foundation. Planning is underway for REAP v2.0 - an expanded platform with updated materials and new Deaf-friendly health infomercials.
Legal Framework: RA 11106
Republic Act 11106 - the Filipino Sign Language Act - declares FSL as the national sign language of the Filipino Deaf. Section 8 specifically mandates FSL in the health system. TulaySenyas directly supports the implementation of this law by providing healthcare professionals with the tools they need to communicate with Deaf patients.
Our Team
- Dr. Hazel Anne Lamadrid-Catublas - Project head, researcher (Adamson University - College of Pharmacy)
- Noemi Pamintuan - REAP plan author
Supported by Deaf consultants, FSL interpreters, Deaf graphic artists, and sign linguists.
Where We're Going
We have a plan to update our materials, create new Deaf-friendly health infomercials, and expand our reach. Learn how you can help.
Support TulaySenyas