As society progresses towards a more inclusive and diverse future, Goa is leading the way by promoting the learning of sign language among the general public. This initiative aims to break down barriers that have hindered the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community from participating fully in everyday life. By increasing understanding and awareness of sign language, Goa is working towards a world where everyone can feel included and valued.
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, commends the event for promoting a better understanding of disabilities and bridging 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. He added that the Government’s commitment to promoting sign language is a testament to the belief in the inherent worth of every individual. “Together, we will create a Goa where everyone can communicate, connect and contribute.”
Monica Punjabi Verma, Professional ISL interpreter, President Indian Sign Language Interpreters Association (ISLIA), Director Indore Deaf Bilingual Academy,suggests introducing ISL as an optional language subject at schools and conducting small training programs for offices and companies that interact with deaf individuals. “Incorporating sign language into the school curriculum can instil empathy and understanding among students and promote inclusivity,” she adds.
Goa’s Department of Social Welfare and the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities are leading in creating awareness on sign language courses by way of sensitisation workshops and co-ordinating sign language interpreters for their programs. By eliminating the communication barrier, the Deaf community can feel more included and experience greater opportunities. For every programme organised, there is always a sign language interpreter. Teaching sign language would have many benefits. The message is clear: inclusion is not a distant dream but an achievable reality.
Indian Sign Language Interpreter, Special Educator, Muskan Shaikh expressing optimism says: “By learning sign language, we can facilitate the Deaf community’s ability to express, while also fostering better comprehension and inclusivity among others. Unfortunately, the Deaf community faces numerous barriers that hinder their progress in various aspects of life. However, by eliminating the most significant barrier, which is communication, they can feel more included. Sign Language is an interesting language to learn, similar to our endeavours to learn languages,” Shaikh explains.
Incorporating sign language into the school curriculum is another crucial step in Goa’s journey towards inclusivity. Indian Sign language Interpreter, Josefina Fernandes explains that anybody can learn and use Sign Language. “Everyone learning sign language will help in bridging the gap in communication with the deaf and hearing individuals. This will give more opportunities and avenues to deaf and hearing to socialise, express themselves, accept each other, bond with each other, understand the cultural difference and develop respect.”
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, 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.
UNDERSTANDING THROUGH SIGN LANGUAGE
Hello – take your flat palm of your dominant hand ,touch it on the side of the forehead near the temple n extend it slightly forward with a jerk towards the person, as if you are giving a salute.
Good -using your dominant hand make a handshape closing your fist and making a thumbs up and extend it forward
Bad- make a thumbs up handshape with your dominant hand and orient the hand shape downwards as if you are showing a thumbs down.
Sorry – make a fist with your dominant hand and touch your chest and do slow circular motion while your face expression are displaying sad emotion.
Eat – close your fingers of your dominant hand together and bring it towards your mouth as if you are eating.
Drink – with your dominant hand make a thumbs up handshape and move the thumb to the lips as if drinking.
Help – make a thumbs up handshape with your dominant hand and place it on the open palm facing up of your non dominant hand ,and extend it forward towards the person .
Book – with both hands forward ,closed by touching the Palms together , do open and close movement as of you are opening and closing a book.
Thank you – With an open palm having extended fingers and thumb of your dominant hand, touch the fingers to your chin and and bring it forward .
I love you – Extend your pinky, index finger and thumb while keeping your middle and ring fingers folded down of your dominant hand, raise your hand a little up and shake it slightly side to side .These are just a few basic signs, but they can go a long way in facilitating basic communication and showing your willingness to engage with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in a more inclusive way. Remember that there are different sign languages around the world, so these signs are based on Indian Sign Language (ISL) and may vary in other sign languages.
About Indian Sign Language (ISL):
Indian Sign Language is likely the most common form of sign language in South Asia used by several hundred of thousands of deaf individuals, as of 2003.Indian Sign Language plays a significant role in fostering communication and inclusivity for the deaf community in various domains of life, including education, employment, and social interactions.
Recently, S.H. Panchapakesan, the Kerala State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, submitted a memorandum to the State government. The memorandum proposes that Indian Sign Language be officially recognised as one of the languages listed in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This recommendation aims to elevate the status of Indian Sign Language and ensure its inclusion as an official language of the country.
