The pioneering work in sign language at Dr. S.R. Chandrasekhar Institute of Speech and Hearing, began in 1999, leading to the establishment of the Sign Language Unit in 2000. The main objective of this unit is to address the communication needs of people with hearing impairment, acknowledging their undeniable right, as affirmed by the Human Rights Act, to access accurate information and actively participate in conversations and discussions, of which they are part of.
Since its inception, the Unit has been instrumental in teaching Sign Language to scores of individuals breaking barriers between those with hearing impairment and with hearing. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act of 2016 underscores the necessity of empowering people with disabilities, and the Sign Language Unit facilitates this by regularly conducting short-term and long-term courses in Basic Sign Language to empower the hearing impaired and bridge communication gaps within the community.
The Sign Language Unit plays a vital role in several areas:
- Communication Access: It provides a means for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to engage in conversations, express ideas, and access information effectively.
- Education and Inclusion: By integrating sign language into educational programs, the unit fosters inclusivity and enables better communication between hearing and non-hearing individuals.
- Cultural Preservation: The unit helps preserve and promote sign language, an essential part of Deaf culture, ensuring its continuity across generations.
- Awareness and Advocacy: Through teaching and using sign language, the unit raises awareness about the Deaf community, advocating for their rights and needs, including access to interpreters and equal opportunities.
- Professional Development: The unit offers essential skills for individuals pursuing careers in interpretation, education, or social work, enhancing their ability to support and work with the Deaf community.
The Sign Language Unit is thus crucial for fostering communication, inclusion, and cultural understanding.
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