Empowering the Deaf: Achieving Accessibility in the Workplace
“Think of diversity as a barcode, the deaf community is one thin line in that. Today, we are all here to discuss this small but important line,” said ARUN C RAO, Founder- ASLI.
Throughout the day, we heard some amazing stories, learned about the best practices in companies and experienced how technology can help create inclusive spaces.
Divyanand Raj showed us how we can make a difference by being ‘inclusive’ and ‘responsive’ in companies. Sangeetha Gera spoke about SGGSC India introducing 250 words in sign language that are specific to the world of finance. Tarun Sarwal demonstrated the SignAble app and how it helps the deaf and hearing communicate easily with each other.
As Mohan Sundaram said, “Lack of communication has resulted in lack of opportunities. My dream is that one day we have a deaf CEO and the hearing make the effort to communicate with them.”
"They wanted me to sit at the back, but I went and took a seat right in front," said Rupmani Chhetri.
Whether it was Rupmani Chhetri’s determination to be a part of the UN or Priti Soni’s focus to create awareness about the challenges faced by the deaf, we were given a glimpse into how the deaf can do anything provided they are given a chance. A. S. Narayanan President, National Association of the Deaf was unfortunately ill and could not attend but was ably represented by the General Secretary of National Association of the Deaf Mr Saju Stephen.
Mr. Saju highlighted the issues faced by deaf across India in terms of access. “Access to education is where it starts, we don’t have any access to education” he said shocking the crowd. “When we are denied the basic rights of education is it any wonder that our other rights are trampled over and denied? It goes to show how important this conference is and thank you all for highlighting it.”
In Rashmi Vikram’s words, the journey to create accessible workplaces is possible only if all are willing to take a step.
Thank you, Nidhi Bhasin, Roy C Thomas, Rashmi Vikram, and ARUN C RAO, for starting the conference off today.
Thank you, Saju Stephen, Rupmani Chhetri, Priti Soni and Leon Dsouza for sharing those wonderful stories!
We thank you all for being a part of our one-day conference on 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗳 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲: 𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲! We hope this day has been as enlightening for you as it has been for us.
Posted on 24 Jan 2023.
Photo Gallery