PANAJI
The Social Welfare Department and the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities have launched a joint initiative to create awareness of sign language courses, in a bid to promote the learning of sign language among the general public.
A senior department official told The Goan that by way of sensitisation workshops and co-ordinating sign language interpreters for their programs, they are eliminating the communication barrier.
“The deaf community can feel more included and experience greater opportunities. For every program organised, there is always a sign language interpreter. Teaching sign language would have many benefits,” he said.
The recent Purple Fest held in January 2023 highlighted the need for creating an inclusive society and brought attention to issues affecting Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
The State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Guruprasad Pawaskar stated the ongoing event will promote a better understanding of disabilities and bridge the communication gap between the deaf and hard of hearing community.
“It is time to foster better communication and understanding among PwDs and others. It's important to promote the learning of sign language,” he said.
Recently, in a move to make courtrooms disabled-friendly, Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud announced the appointment of a sign-language interpreter by the Supreme Court to help hearing-impaired lawyers and litigants comprehend judicial proceedings. This was after a bench headed by the CJI heard hearing-impaired lawyer Sarah Sunny through sign-language interpreter Saurav Roy Chowdhury in a case related to the rights of persons with disabilities (PwD).
“The ongoing pursuit of a more inclusive society is exemplified by Goa's leadership, serving as a strong reminder that even small gestures, such as acquiring knowledge in sign language, hold the potential to significantly dismantle barriers and nurture understanding within diverse communities,” Pawaskar added.
