Hello everyone, I am reaching out to you not only as the director of Innosign but also as a private individual who recently found themselves at the center of a struggle against barriers, prejudices, and a discriminatory law. What began as a simple effort to obtain a driver’s license turned into a journey full of obstacles, revealing deep systemic problems faced by the deaf community in Slovakia. Today, I want to share the whole story with you—from the initial frustration to the current situation—and explain why Innosign has decided to take this fight under its wing.
The first video from a private Facebook group expressing the situation regarding obtaining a driver’s license for the deaf and a petition for ANEPS: https://www.facebook.com/marcus.kanash/videos/1731029210846466
Newly added information in sign language, including subtitles in two languages: Slovak and English.
The beginning of the journey: The wall of prejudice in driving schools and clinics
When I decided in May to get my driver’s license—for practical reasons such as work, travel, and overall independence—I expected a standard process. However, I hit a wall.
Driving schools – absurd excuses:
I contacted more than nine driving schools in Bratislava, Košice, and Prešov. Most of them refused me with arguments that were not only unprofessional but also deeply discriminatory.
- “Deaf people cannot operate a gearbox.”
- “How will you hear the engine malfunction?”
- “Communication in the car is not possible; if lip-reading doesn’t work, it can’t be done.”
- “We don’t have facilities for the deaf – period.”
These statements were often final, without any willingness to seek a solution. Fortunately, after a long search, a driving school was found that demonstrated a professional and humane approach. Their first question was not “How do you want to manage this?” but “What conditions do you need for us to succeed together?”
Doctors – the main obstacle: An even greater obstacle proved to be obtaining a medical certificate. I visited five different clinics. The first four doctors either refused me or made excuses, sending me for more and more examinations, even though I had positive assessments from a traffic psychologist, an ENT specialist, a cardiologist, and an ophthalmologist. One of the doctors refused me right at the door solely because I am deaf.
The turning point came with the fifth doctor. She confirmed that her colleagues’ approach was discriminatory. She explained that the law requires an individual assessment of the overall health condition, not an automatic rejection based on hearing loss. She evaluated my condition, deemed me fit, and finally issued the necessary fitness certificate.
When a personal problem becomes Innosign’s mission
You ask why I am addressing this story through Innosign. It is because this is not just my problem; it is a problem for the entire community. Innosign aims to support the deaf, their progress, education, and success in business. How can we fully support their economic independence when a flawed law prevents them from obtaining a driver’s license, which today is key to many job opportunities?
As a private individual, my options are limited. As Innosign, we have greater capacity, a team of people, and a network of contacts to act systemically and initiate real change.
Current status: The fight has moved to the institutional level
With the confirmation in hand, I was finally able to enroll in the driving school, where everything runs smoothly thanks to a great approach. I use a combination of online transcription via Google Meet and a sign language interpreter, which ensures me 100% access to information without delaying others. This is proof that inclusion is not complicated if there is willingness on both sides.
My struggle, however, did not end. On the contrary, it moved into the next phase:
- Petitions and complaints: I have documented my entire case, and with the help of Jana Filipová, president ANEPS and Deaf Roma lawyer Tomáš Dunko (https://www.silentworld.sk/), we have forwarded it further.
- EUD opinion: The European Union of the Deaf (EUD) has confirmed to me that Slovak practice is contrary to EU obligations and constitutes discrimination.
- Confirmation from SNSĽP: The Slovak National Center for Human Rights (SNSĽP) responded clearly to my questions. (link in Slovak language: https://www.snslp.sk/wp-content/uploads/OS-Automaticke-vylucenie-ludi-so-sluchovym-postihnutim-z-moznosti-ziskat-vodicske-opravnenie-je-diskriminacne.pdf):
- The approach taken by driving schools was direct discrimination.
- The doctor’s behavior in refusing to see me at the door was direct discrimination. (Other cases will be assessed by the Health Care Supervision Authority, to which I have already sent a complaint).
- Most importantly, the Center confirmed that there is suspicion that the law itself could be in conflict with the Slovak Constitution, EU obligations, and human rights.
- Next steps: On the recommendation of SNSĽP, I have sent the entire case along with their opinion to the Public Defender of Rights (Ombudsman), who has the authority to submit a proposal to the Constitutional Court. We are now awaiting his response.
Our Vision and Call to Action
It is absurd that in the 21st century, in Slovakia, we are still fighting for something that is taken for granted in many other countries. In France, deaf people can pilot light airplanes; in the Netherlands, they can steer ships; and in Germany and the Czech Republic, they can drive trucks. Here, it is still being debated whether a deaf person can drive a car.
Driving a vehicle does not require hearing the sound of the engine or sirens—it requires full attention to the visual situation in traffic. Moreover, analyses show that even hearing drivers often rely primarily on visual signals (such as flashing lights) rather than the sound of sirens.
Therefore, Innosign calls on the entire deaf community and representatives of organizations:
Do not be passive. If you encounter a similar problem, file complaints. We have the tools for that. Contact these four institutions:
- ANEPS – Association of the Deaf of Slovakia
- Slovak National Centre for Human Rights
- Public Defender of Rights (Ombudsman)
- Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities
The more official complaints there are, the stronger pressure we will create to change this discriminatory law, which should have been changed a long time ago.
This fight is not just about the driver’s license. It is about dignity, equal opportunities, and the right to a full life. Innosign will continue to fight to remove these obstacles so that no one has to feel like a second-class citizen anymore.
We will keep you informed about further developments.
Sincerely, Director Marek Kanaš