The concern expressed by the editorial >“The signs are ominous” (July 27) over the Indira Gandhi Open University’s decision to close the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre is laudable. However, I choose to differ with the view that sign language helps to bring the hearing impaired into the national mainstream.
The desire of a differently-abled person is to get over the feeling that he is different. Integrated institutions, where the physically disabled study along with the rest, alone can bring about positive changes. The hearing impaired can instead be given some concessions — relaxation in the number of languages to be studied and the percentage of marks to be scored.
K.T. Manjula,
Mangalore
I am truly saddened to see the level of ignorance which has led to the university’s decision. It is irresponsible. One hopes the government will take notice of the issue and restore the centre.
S. Dharmarajan,
Pappakudi
