It was yet another Monday at the Collectorate where a large number of people gathered at Praja Vani to get their grievances resolved. However, a group of girls and boys in their teens were cynosure of all eyes as the way they were chatting on their mobile phones caught the attention of passers-by. The reason was that none of the teens were able to speak or hear but were communicating with their friends.
Mobile phones have come in handy for these differently-abled people to communicate and share their feelings and thoughts with their dear ones and friends.
Earlier, they used to converse with their friends by sending SMS. Now, the advent of 3G mobiles has made things easier for them as they are able to communicate using sign language. One can see their charming faces while conversing with their friends through sign language.
Family members of the differently-abled are no longer worried about their safety if they go out as they can communicate instantly with them, says Dadi Chandra Sekhar, who is a translator for these special people. He says he learnt sign language from his brother, who was born deaf. “My brother went to Tirumala alone and kept in touch with me through 3G mobile and even told me about his darshan and places he visited,” says Mr. Chandra Sekhar.
He says, “Differently-abled people have an association to fight for their needs and rights.
Association
The 600-member strong Visakha District Association of Deaf has been organising various programmes, including cultural and academic, to tap potential among the members.
They also have Visakhapatnam District Sports Association which is organising sports and games for them during weekends at GVMC stadium.” The association members submitted a memorandum to district Collector V. Seshadri seeking sanction of pension for members and land for their association. The Collector has responded positively to their demands, says Mr. Chandra Sekhar.
Technology has definitely helped make life for differently-abled people easier.
