Time to address the need of deaf and mute

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: When volunteers of

Prathidhwani

, a socio-cultural organisation in

Technopark

, launched a helpdesk to address various issues faced by IT professionals at the time of lockdown, little did they know that they were offering a much-awaited support to a techie in real need. Technopark-based IT professional Sanu P Chukkiri, 33, who is deaf and mute, was looking for an option to buy essential items at the time of lockdown.

When he informed Prathidhwani members through a whatsapp chat about his requirement and difficulties, Prathidhwani volunteers soon delivered the provisions to him.

TOI communicated with Sanu with the support of sign language interpreter Suji Nair, also his colleague, through a video call. Sanu said that he was afraid to go out as he saw visuals in television about police beating people. “I was confused whether it was okay to go out for buying provisions. I went on Saturday to buy necessary items, but soon returned after managing to purchase a few items. When I saw Prathidhwani help desk, I sent them a message and they helped to buy the remaining provisions,” he said.

Vineeth Chandran, secretary of Prathidhwani, said they realised about concerns of deaf persons only when they received Sanu’s message. “After Sanu posted about our support in a group, around 4-5 others with hearing impairment contacted us. One person wanted us to help him contact the helpline number as his internet connectivity was getting disrupted while working from home. Problem with several help desk is that only option for call is available. Issues of persons with hearing impairment should be addressed during crisis like these,” he said.

Sanu’s family comprises his parents, wife and a child. Except his daughter, all are deaf and mute. “I can communicate through my friend who knows sign language. Others might not have such access. They will find it extremely difficult at the time of lockdown,” he said adding that he was relieved as his parents have enough stock of medicines now.

Sanu said he views Covid-19-related information on American sign language websites and certain channels which uses sign language.

Suji said while some people with hearing impairment could communicate using sign language, others could only write to communicate. “Both are time consuming and ineffective when they go to a new environment,” she said.