“Often, all it takes is openness, empathy, and the willingness to learn,” says Roman Lupoměský on fostering inclusion in the workplace

What happens when you view the world not through limitations but as an opportunity for change? Our deaf graduate, Roman Lupoměský, MPA, turned his personal experience into a mission.

In this interview, he shares the journey behind founding the organization Deaf with Hope, the concrete impacts of international cooperation, insights from his studies, and the challenges faced by deaf individuals in both developing countries and the Czech Republic.

Our takeaways from the “Persons with disabilities in the context of sustainable development goals 2025” conference

At the beginning of June, we had the opportunity to attend (this time as listeners) the inspiring international conference “Persons with disabilities in the context of sustainable development goals 2025,” held in Prague. The event was packed with powerful stories, practical examples, and challenges that resonate across continents – from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Cambodia and back home. 

We were struck by the presentations of Czech diplomats on development initiatives, emotional testimonies (like the video Silence Between Gazes), and the call from Hjördís Haraldsdóttir from the World Federation of the Deaf for greater inclusion of the deaf in SDG implementation. Our takeaway? Inclusion is not just a buzzword – it’s a path, and every step toward a more open and equal society matters.

Roman, we’re glad you accepted our invitation for this interview. Let’s begin at the beginning – how did the idea to establish the organization Deaf with Hope come about? What was the main impetus?

Thank you for inviting me to this interview. I’m pleased to share the story behind our organization. The idea for founding Deaf with Hope came from my personal experience as a deaf person growing up in a family with three generations of deaf individuals. From a young age, I realized how difficult it is for us to overcome communication barriers and how few organizations truly focus on supporting deaf communities, not just in the Czech Republic but internationally as well.

The impulse to start the association also came from my passion for traveling and connecting with deaf communities around the world, especially in developing countries where support for the deaf is often lacking. I saw how even small projects focused on education and communication can bring about meaningful change, and I wanted to share and expand on those experiences through an organization that promotes deaf rights, improves education, and removes communication barriers.

That’s how Deaf with Hope was born – with the goal of connecting deaf communities in the Czech Republic and abroad, helping to foster their social integration and development.

Your organization supports deaf individuals in developing countries. Can you share an example of a project that had a particularly strong impact?

Yes, our organization has long focused on supporting deaf communities in developing countries, where the challenges related to access to education and communication are even more severe than here.

One project I’m especially proud of is our collaboration with schools and associations for the deaf in Moldova. As part of this project, we helped provide materials and training for teachers working with hearing-impaired children, and we contributed to the development of sign language in the educational process. The impact was significant not just in improving the quality of education but also in raising awareness about the rights and needs of the deaf within the local community.

Seeing how this support improved communication and integration for deaf children at school represents a real change for me – a clear confirmation that our work matters.

What surprised or impressed you most during your studies at EDU Effective?

Studying the MPA program at EDU Effective Business School was incredibly valuable and inspiring. I applied the knowledge and skills I gained directly in the strategic management of our organization, Deaf with Hope.

The program helped me better understand principles of public administration, effective project management, and financial oversight. This allowed us to enhance the planning and implementation of our development and awareness activities. I found the courses on strategic planning and nonprofit management particularly valuable. Thanks to them, we were able to professionalize our processes, improve communication with partners and donors, and manage grants more efficiently.

Overall, this education helped me not only with better organizational operations but also with stronger advocacy for deaf communities on various levels – from local to international. The MPA program has significantly contributed to the growth and sustainability of our organization.

A recent conference on “Persons with Disabilities and Sustainable Development Goals 2025” took place. How would you summarize it, and what stood out most to you?

The conference was very inspiring and an important event that emphasized the need for the inclusion of people with disabilities in all areas of social and economic life. I was especially struck by the complexity of the topics – from accessible education and employment to healthcare and human rights.

What stood out most was how the presentations and discussions connected global sustainable development goals with specific challenges and opportunities for supporting individuals with disabilities, including the deaf. I also appreciated the multidisciplinary approach, emphasizing collaboration between governments, NGOs, and disabled communities.

As a representative of Deaf with Hope, the conference reaffirmed that our work is on the right path and that we must continue working toward removing barriers and ensuring equal opportunities for all.

What are the biggest challenges currently facing the deaf in developing countries, and how can people in the Czech Republic help?

Deaf individuals in developing countries face numerous serious challenges. Among the biggest are the lack of access to quality sign language education, absence of interpreting services, limited job opportunities, and low public awareness of their rights and needs. Many live on the fringes of society, without the ability to communicate, learn, or work with dignity.

Another issue is the lack of trained educators and insufficient institutional support. In some countries, national sign language isn’t even officially recognized, making inclusion even more difficult.

People in the Czech Republic can help in several ways. The simplest is by supporting our projects financially – allowing us to provide educational materials, teacher training, community programs, and interpreting services. Awareness is also key – sharing information, supporting equality and human rights, and taking an interest in inclusion.

We also welcome volunteers and professionals who want to contribute to our projects – whether in the Czech Republic or via online collaboration. Every step toward greater understanding and solidarity makes a huge difference.

Have you noticed a positive change in Czech society’s awareness of deaf issues in recent years?

Yes, I have noticed a gradual shift in awareness, although it’s still a slow process. On one hand, people today are more informed thanks to the internet and social media. There are more articles, videos in sign language, and reports about the lives of deaf individuals. Interest in sign language is also growing, especially among students and the general public, which is great.

On the other hand, I feel that surface-level awareness sometimes replaces true understanding. People may have a basic idea, but they often don’t grasp the deep and daily barriers the deaf face – such as in education, healthcare, or public information access. This is especially true in crisis situations, where interpreting services are still insufficient.

So while we do see positive changes, there’s still a long way to go – especially toward greater empathy, respect, and tangible support from institutions and individuals.

How can organizations and companies support the inclusion and integration of deaf individuals in the workplace?

Organizations and companies can play a key role in promoting the inclusion and integration of deaf employees – but it’s important to realize there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Inclusion doesn’t mean a single gesture for everyone but rather respect for each individual’s unique needs, including various types of disabilities.

In the case of deaf employees, this might mean ensuring a sign language interpreter, making internal communication accessible (e.g. through captions, transcripts, or visual materials), and offering flexibility in meetings or training. It’s also important to foster a supportive and open work environment where employees don’t feel isolated.

Companies can collaborate with organizations like ours – Deaf with Hope – to consult specific needs. Many barriers are not technical or financial but stem from ignorance or fear. Often, all it takes is openness, empathy, and a willingness to learn.

True inclusion begins when we stop seeing a person only through their disability and instead as an equal colleague with value, skills, and the potential to grow.

What advice would you give others who want to start their own nonprofit organization with a humanitarian focus?

In the past, our organization also engaged in humanitarian work – for example, supporting schools and associations for the deaf in Serbia and Moldova. In recent years, however, we’ve shifted more toward development projects and education, as most humanitarian aid in Europe and the Czech Republic now understandably focuses on supporting Ukraine.

What are your future goals and visions for Deaf with Hope?

Looking ahead, we hope to further strengthen our role in development cooperation, particularly within the Small Local Projects program run by Czech embassies in developing countries. Currently, I’m working on potential collaborations with the Czech Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and we’re also exploring new opportunities in Cambodia.

Our aim is to co-create meaningful, sustainable projects with local partners – schools, organizations, and deaf communities. We focus on respecting local culture and addressing real needs.

Besides international activities, we want to expand our awareness efforts in the Czech Republic, strengthen educational activities for the deaf, and seek new partnerships with professionals and institutions who share our values. Our vision remains the same: to contribute to more dignified conditions for deaf individuals both at home and around the world through education, collaboration, and removing barriers.

How can you support the organization?

Would you like to help create equal opportunities for the deaf? You can contribute easily – through financial donations, volunteering, sharing their activities, or simply by learning Czech Sign Language. Find out more at neslysicisnadeji.org.