Signaling Sounds

Heres another addition to the list of path breakers. Attempting to make Pune see the world differently is Ekansh...

Through their unique workshop,the NGO aims to spread the usage of sign language among the general public

Heres another addition to the list of path breakers. Attempting to make Pune see the world differently is Ekansh,a non- government organisation that works towards the goal of inclusion of better amenities for the disabled and the elderly. The organisation,which works for all kinds of disabilities,is presently conducting sessions for the introduction of sign language for the general public. This initiative is an attempt to break the barriers between those with hearing and speech imparity and those without them, says Anita Iyer,founder and trustee of Ekansh adding,It is an endeavour to help them socialise with normal people without having to face the language barriers where they can at least strike up basic conversations with people.

Athiya Harjee,a pass-out of the Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped (AYJNIHH) and also the only Indian sign language interpreter in Pune,has been associated with Ekansh for the last two years. When asked about why is she the only sign language interpreter in Pune,she says,The institute for hearing and speech imparity is located in Mumbai. Most people dont want to go to Mumbai to study it for two years.

So far they have conducted two workshops and a seminar on hearing imparity. The response has been tremendous, says Iyer,adding,The first time we conducted the workshop,we had 40 people on the first day which increased to 75 on the second day of the workshop. We had people sitting on the windowsills to get involved with the workshops.

There were several people interested in being a part of these workshops, says Harjee about the growing popularity of the same. We will,therefore,conduct one in the near future for those interested, she adds.

The NGO is also looking at several ideas like incorporating the sign language version of the national anthem to the anthems played in the multiplexes,incorporating Braille into the menu cards of the restaurants in the city,so that they may not be bereft of basic amenities.

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Signaling Sounds

Heres another addition to the list of path breakers. Attempting to make Pune see the world differently is Ekansh...

Heres another addition to the list of path breakers. Attempting to make Pune see the world differently is Ekansh...