Ingrid Parkin with school children as she continues to advocate for quality Deaf education. Picture: Supplied
Meet Ingrid Parkin, a woman who became the first permanent Deaf principal in South Africa. This is a woman who did not allow her life to be determined by people who told her that a Deaf person does not have the potential to teach. Her determination to ensure that a Deaf child gets quality education not only yielded results during her years as a principal at St Vincent School for the Deaf in Johannesburg, but she continues to impact thousands of learners and educators in different schools across the country by ensuring they have access to quality education.
She explained during an interview
with the Diary Series of Deaf People that her own experiences, while she was a
learner who lost her hearing after a car accident, inspired her to become
involved in Deaf education.
“I became Deaf at the age of
seven following a motor vehicle accident. After attending schools for Deaf
learners, I developed a strong sense of belonging within the Deaf community and
came to understand the importance of accessible education and communication.”
She said:
“I wanted to become a teacher, although I was
initially told that a Deaf person could not teach. Instead of allowing that
rejection to determine my future, I pursued my studies in education and later
specialised in Deaf education.”
She added: “My journey taught me that Deaf children should never be limited by other people’s expectations. They need access to education, positive Deaf role models, and adults who believe in their potential. This continues to inspire the work that I do today.”
Though she is no longer spending her time teaching in a classroom filled with learners, her heart is still in teaching. She describes herself as an educator, advocate, mentor, and leader within the Deaf community.
“I served as principal of St Vincent School for the Deaf and had the honour of becoming South Africa’s first permanent Deaf school principal. My experience gave me a deep understanding of school management, curriculum development, teacher support, learner wellbeing, and the importance of creating a language-rich environment for Deaf children. As a former principal, I now use that knowledge to strengthen Deaf education beyond one school.”
Ingrid Parkin, DeafSA’s education director, continues to make a difference in the lives of Deaf people. Picture: Supplied
She focuses particularly on Deaf
education and on promoting the linguistic, educational, and human rights of
Deaf people.
“I work to ensure that Deaf children and adults have access to quality education, information, opportunities, and services through South African Sign Language. I also support the development of teachers and other professionals who work with Deaf learners, while encouraging Deaf people to take up leadership positions and participate fully in decisions that affect their lives,” said Parkin.
Her work has contributed toward
raising awareness about the educational needs and rights of Deaf learners.
Parkin said:
“I have advocated for an
education system in which Deaf children can learn through a language that is
fully accessible to them. I have also tried to show Deaf learners that Deaf
people can become teachers, school principals, professionals, advocates, and
leaders. Seeing a Deaf person in a position of leadership can help a young Deaf
person imagine a bigger future for themselves.”
Her contributions have included
supporting teachers, mentoring Deaf people, promoting South African Sign
Language, and advocating for equal access to education and opportunities.
“I hope that my journey has helped to challenge negative attitudes and demonstrate that Deaf people can lead effectively when barriers are removed.”
Parkin is DeafSA’s education
director. Her years as an educator have helped her to contribute to discussions
about policy, educator development, school leadership, and the practical
challenges faced by Deaf learners and their families.
Parkin said, “I also use my experience to mentor others. Leadership is not only about holding a position. It is about opening doors, sharing knowledge, developing others, and ensuring that the next generation has greater opportunities.”
This is seen in her current collaboration with Stellenbosch University. She has partnered with the Stellenbosch University Language Centre to present a short online course that trains Deaf South African Sign Language users to become South African Sign Language (SASL) trainers. Registration is open until 25 August, as the course starts on 8 September and ends on 3 December 2026.
Ingrid Parkin with Deaf learners during her work in Deaf education. Picture: Supplied
Stellenbosch University Language Centre explains on its social media account that the practical online course will help participants build the skills they need to plan and present a fully funded beginner SASL course. Parkin outlines the requirements and benefits of the course in Sign Language on video. Click this link to watch the video: https://www.tiktok.com/@_thedeafdiary/video/7673928710885625108
The course will help students to
learn how to design and structure a beginner SASL course.
It will help participants to learn how to use effective teaching and learning methods, develop basic assessment tools, strengthen foundational business English skills, and promote a course and attract learners.
Being interviewed as South Africans continue to celebrate Women’s Month, she explained that this is the time to honour the “courage, strength, and sacrifices of the women who came before us.”
She said it is also an
opportunity to recognise the women who continue to build stronger families,
communities, schools, and organisations. But it should include honouring Deaf
women and women with different disabilities.
“Their experiences and contributions are sometimes overlooked, and they may face barriers related to communication, education, employment, and access to leadership opportunities. Women’s Day reminds us that every woman has a voice, whether that voice is spoken or signed.”
She said this is the time to celebrate women’s achievements, “but it is also a call to continue working for equality, accessibility, dignity, and meaningful representation."
"My message to women, particularly young Deaf women, is: believe in yourself, value your identity, pursue your education, and do not allow other people’s expectations to define what you can achieve. Your hands, your voice, your experiences, and your leadership matter.”
Ingrid Parkin, South Africa’s first permanent Deaf school principal, speaks to us about the difference she continues to make in the Deaf community. Picture: Supplied.
Deaf people who wish to enrol are encouraged to apply through this link: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx...
For more information, they can visit: https://languagecentre.sun.ac.za/.../teach-south-african.../
