Hear the deaf world
Several thoughts constantly run into our minds but only those thoughts that we allow our minds to think of, sometimes consciously and at other times sub consciously. Because we speak and hear to a lot of people we define what is cool, classic, modern, old school, ambiguous, normal and not normal. Our thoughts aren’t original most of the times. Sometimes our focus is drifted away by certain distractions. We disallow a lot of inputs from surrounding to filter into our mind and we do that deliberately because we know that it isn’t beneficial to us. Yes we judge most of the things based on the criteria put together by our everyday conversations, social encounters and the company we keep.
And we think ours is the busiest minds in the world.
Have you ever imagined what would our mind be if we weren’t able to listen or react to the happenings around us? You see someone talking to you but you don’t know what he is talking, you’ve liked something but you cannot express it in words. This is exactly how the deaf and dumb people feel. No, we aren’t sympathizing on them, no, not at all.
This article is about why they are better at certain things than anyone else. Let us focus on their ability.A deaf person doesn’t get anything easily ever because of which they value every single thing which becomes a part of their life. They’re loyal. They put in a lot of thought before deciding on doing/wanting something, because they know that they have to put in a lot of efforts to achieve it. They’re organized and focused. They know how to get what they want and a struggle to achieve the same is what makes them more hardworking than any normal person.
I should be every companies dream employees. They’re loyal, organized, focused and hardworking souls. Still in India they’re considered special, specially challenged to an extent where they’re not even considered for any job openings. Most deaf and dumb people in India are doing clerical jobs or any other documenting work.
I’m not saying any work is demeaning but yes if an efficient person is asked to be a peon that is ridiculous. Yes a lot of things are changing in India but not at the required pace. Due to the Persons with disabilities act (PWD)yes,a lot of deaf and dumb working in government sectors but they are very few people.
In India there are nearly 10-15 million deaf people. Do you think all of them are working?
Let us now throw some lime light on our responsibilities.
How many of us know to speak the ISL (Indian sign language)?
If you aren’t a NGO person or have a deaf person in your family, I bet most of you won’t know the sign language. Everybody wants to learn French, Japanese ,Spanish, German. Would speaking in these languages to people who already know them, get a smile that you would never forget in your whole life? If you can use you tube to see the latest SCAM, I’m sure you could invest some time in learning this wonderful language which says everything without uttering a word.
Note, they don’t want you to make them feel special. Remember the moment you do that you discriminate. To make them feel a part of the society does not sympathize them but be normal to them and for that you need to communicate with them.
One such person who is making a difference is Ms. Ruma Roka. I saw a video of hers and was inspired to write this piece. She is the founder of the Noida Deaf society.The mission of the Noida Deaf Society is to mainstream the deaf people into the community through specialized vocational programmes leading to gainful employment. After their specific course completion the organization also recruits the students in renowned companies.
Ms Ruma Roka has struggled to prove that the disabled are more able than anyone else.
With over 625 students being recruited NDS inspires us to contribute in some way or the other and make a little difference.
Franklin Templeton Investments partnered the TEDxGateway Mumbai in December 2012.Ruma Roka at TED
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Ai3XTLyGboQ