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Helping hand for the hearing impaired......Farah H Chitalwala
Indian Sign Language Interpreter's Association (ISLIA) was launched recently in Mumbai. The objective of the association is to increase the number of sign language interpreters for the hearing impaired.
Currently there is a shortage of professional interpreters. "In India there are 4.5 million hearing impaired who use the Indian Sign Language, but only a handful of certified interpreters," said Monica Punjabi, director of ISLIA.
Launched under the aegis of the Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped, the association will achieve its objective through launching academic programmes in Indian Sign Language Interpretation. "Indian sign language is distinctly different from other sign languages. It has its own grammar and hence our objective is to create quality interpretation professionals, who can interpret it correctly," said Punjabi.
The association will lobby for creation of job vacancies for interpreters in all public places like hospitals, railway stations, TV channels and courtrooms. "This will not only aid the hearing impaired but also create job opportunities for interpreters," said Punjabi.
Creation of call centers for the hearing impaired is also on the agenda. "Persons suffering from hearing impairment cannot avail facilities like phone banking or phone-booking of tickets. Hence we propose the launch of special call centers, where through video conferencing they can convey their needs to the interpreter," informed Punjabi.
Membership of the association is open to Indian sign language interpreters, deaf persons who use the Indian Sign Language and trainers of the language. Membership fees are Rs200 per annum.
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