Let your fingers do the talking!

September is marked as  International Day of Sign Languages to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all deaf people and other sign language users.

Sign Language is manual communication commonly used by people who cannot hear or speak. They use their hands to make gestures as opposed to spoken words.  Each gesture is called a ‘Sign’.

Sign Language is not universal. Deaf people from different countries speak different Sign Languages. The gestures or symbols in Sign Language are organized in a linguistic way. It has it’s own grammar, words, expressions, feelings, etc. It is a means of communication for the deaf that makes them feel empowered.

It is through Sign Language that the deaf can progress in life. They can gain knowledge and build careers. They can do everything that others do, without their disability being an hurdle.

Another aspect that we, as a society, have to take care of is ‘Inclusion’.

Inclusive Education include:

• ·Developing moral and ethical principles.
• ·Encouraging children to stay with their families and communities.
• ·Increasing communication and social skills.
• ·Increasing acceptance and appreciation of diversity.
• ·Sharing learning opportunities.
• ·Increasing collaboration and participation, etc.

By doing this, we can help break the cycle of poverty and exclusion. There can be an improvement in social skills and  problem solving abilities. The deaf will have a positive self image. And for the children who have no disabilities, inclusion will teach values like acceptance and respect for everyone. This change in attitude will eventually trickle down to their families, as well.

Learning Sign Language can bridge the gap between people with blessed with the power of hearing and speech  and our hearing impaired brothers and sisters.