Action Speaks Louder Than Word
31 Jan, 2022 | 3 min
Akila Sankar
Recently WinVinaya Foundation conducted Indian Sign Language Orientation (ISLO) session to employees of Zensar, an inclusive company. This 10-hour experiential learning course was conducted over 10 days. Our employees + Alumni who are Persons with Hearing Impairment, along with Sign Language Interpreters conducted these sessions.
There are 100+ sign languages in the world. Indian Sign Language (ISL) is a young and dynamic language, widely used by the Deaf community in India. In ISL, we use our facial expressions, body language, finger, and hand movements to communicate.
When we use sign language to communicate, our mind and body must work together, and we should be “Present in the moment”. During the ISLO sessions, participants from Zensar felt much more connected with each other when communicating in sign language. Sometimes, when they faced audio issues during the online session, they used gestures/signs, and everyone understood what they wanted to convey. What fun!
At WinVinaya, we believe that it is important for the learners to know about deaf culture as well, in addition to learning the basics of ISL. Our employees and Alumni who are deaf. interacted with the participants and answered many questions including –
Q) How does a deaf person travel in this noisy world, be aware and understand the danger.
Ans) Since we can’t hear, we are very alert and use our visual sense to understand the danger. We are extra careful while crossing the road or travelling in public transport. Technology also helps us to understand the location and local culture.
Q) How do you understand IT, is that the right job for you?
Ans) Deaf can do any job other than jobs related to hearing. We are visual and experiential learners; We can learn anything and add value, if given the time and right guidance. Many deaf candidates have been working in IT jobs for quite some time now.
And many more questions…
If every inclusive company like Zensar takes such steps to learn sign language, we can make the workplace and the world more inclusive.
If you want to learn more about this program and other services we offer, connect with us by sending an email to info@WinVinayaFoundation.org.
Truly, “Action speaks louder than words”. Isn’t it?
