The deaf community are urging the general public to learn and use sign language to promote accessibility and foster inclusion and mutual understanding for the deaf. This call to action was made during the International Deaf Week, observed at Wangsel Institute for the Deaf in Paro recently. They said sign language can be learned using mobile app and attending awareness programmes by the institute.
The deaf community and the Wangsel Institute for the Deaf in Paro are urging people to download the Bhutan Sign Language App and learn and use sign languages to communicate.
The app was launched last year and has been downloaded by over a thousand people so far.
According to the institute, sign language usage by the general public will empower the deaf community to communicate, learn and participate in society.
Dechen Tshering, the Principal of Wangsel Institute for the Deaf said “The theme for this year’s International Week for Deaf is urging people to use sign language to enable sign language rights for our deaf people. Today, one of the main challenges our deaf people face is that our people do not know how to communicate with deaf people using sign language. If everybody has basics of sign language knowledge, it is easy to fulfil inclusivity of deaf people.”
Dechen, a teacher at Wangsel Institute for the Deaf said “Every deaf person needs an interpreter to communicate especially when they have to avail themselves of the services from court, hospital, and other offices. Therefore, if all of us learn sign language, our deaf people will benefit a lot from this action.”
Dechen Wangmo, a parent said “My son is now going out and he has got friends to play and interact with. It is mainly because I personally teach and guide children from the neighbourhood to use sign language with my son. Now, they know a few basic words to communicate among themselves.”
Chador Gyeltshen, a student studying at Wangsel Institute for the Deaf said “If we can communicate well with anyone, we will not have to stay sad and idle, but also, we can overcome most of our challenges.”
The Wangsel Institute for the Deaf is the leading institution in the country that focuses on the education of deaf students.
Namgay Wangchuk, Paro
Edited by Tshering Zam
