CIVIL servants need to be trained in sign language to create access for people with hearing disabilities, according to Minister for Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya.

She was addressing hundreds of deaf and disabled delegates at the Zwakala Awards on Friday.

The minister said deaf people were easy targets of abuse for those who know about their disability and hope to exploit the fact that they cannot speak or hear and therefore cannot complain or testify in court.

"There is a secondary obstacle of police officers, medical personnel, social workers and court officials who are not able to communicate with them."