"They did not know what an earthquake is. They have never been exposed to it before. It is not in their vocabulary," Farah explained. "The deaf community is very vulnerable to misinformation. We saw that during the COVID-19 pandemic and now with the earthquake". 

Farah, from Damascus, was studying to become a biologist in her first year of university when she saw a sign language interpreter on television. "I do not know what it was. I was immediately fascinated by sign language. I wanted to learn everything about this language," said Farah. More than ten years later, Farah is a sign language expert. She is one of only seven accredited experts in the judiciary system in Syria and a sign language news interpreter. "I started as a volunteer with an NGO. I volunteered in as many activities as I could. I became very involved with the deaf community. Unfortunately, it is a closed-off community. There is an inherent doubt and mistrust in the hearing world, and the lack of access to information is alarming," She added.

After the earthquake, from her home where she lives with her parents and brother, Farah published a video on her Facebook page signing in simplified scientific language what an earthquake is, what to expect afterwards, and how to react when it happens. The video was widely shared by the deaf community. "Many rumours were spreading around. I could see that panic was taking over," Farah recalls.

Syrians with hearing disabilities faced significant challenges during the earthquake. Misinformation was widespread, and the lack of access to information made matters worse. "The rumours did not stop as more news kept coming about persons with hearing disabilities who lost their lives or were injured, either because they were left behind or due to heart attacks during aftershocks. One heart-breaking video that went viral within the community is of a young Syrian man with a hearing disability trapped under rubble and asking for help in sign language. Fortunately, he was rescued shortly after, but sadly, his entire family did not make it".

Farah is constantly present in many UNDP projects and activities in Syria. Starting with the Peace Lens in 2017 - Ten Boot Camp - Farah is a founder and a lead contributor to the UNDP-supported Dal platform advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities. She also coached CreaDeaf, one of the winning teams in the 2020 Generation Unlimited Global Challenge, where she still supports them when needed. She is also an active member of the Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) network and the Youth Empowerment, Engagement and Knowledge project, SHABABEEK.

Farah quickly mobilized resources to support the deaf community in Syria. Her efforts included working with relevant entities and associations to create simplified sign language guides, develop capacity for rescue teams and health professionals, and increase awareness for affected families, especially those with disabilities.

"Their most asked questions are how can we find our way in the dark if we cannot hear anything? How will they find us if we get trapped? How can we call for help" she said.

Farah and her colleagues researched what other countries did in similar crises and how they could help with their limited resources. "One helpful advice is to always keep a whistle around their necks, even when they go to sleep. At least it assures them they can call for help if trapped," she added.