In a recent session of the Umeå City Council, Hanna Lundin Jernberg from the Liberal Party questioned the council's chair for the preschool and basic school committee, Moa Brydsten of the Social Democratic Party. The inquiry focused on how the municipality ensures competence in sign language education within its preschools, particularly in light of recent personnel changes at the Snäckan preschool amidst an organizational restructuring. This issue became prominent amid concerns over the quality of education and support provided to deaf children in the area.

Lundin Jernberg emphasized the importance of prioritizing services for hearing-impaired children, indicating that the preschool and basic school committee should advocate for and protect hearing services within the municipality. She referenced complaints from the Swedish National Association of the Deaf, which has reported Umeå and several other municipalities to the Children’s Ombudsman due to perceived declines in the language environment for deaf children. This raises significant concerns about the adequacy of resources and training available for educators working with these children.

The debate also touched upon the concept of 'audism,' which Lundin Jernberg explained as the oppression of the language and needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing children. She warned that such silencing could be occurring in Umeå, urging council members to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding the rights and education of deaf children. The council's response could influence future policies and the local context of education for all children, particularly those with hearing impairments.