Voicing issues concerning deaf and dumb

Such meetings must be held to sensitise the so called "normal people" and decision-makers".

A. Subramani

Chennai: A discussion on issues concerning rights and discrimination of deaf and dumb could not have been more eloquent than this.

Scores of deaf and dumb persons, all members of the All India Deaf Bank Employees Association, met here and demanded statutory rights, promotions, computer training and non- discriminatory treatment.

justice K. Chandru, addressing the participants with the help of an interpreter, said such meetings must be held to sensities  the so -called "normal people" and decision-makers.  Even judges are deaf and dumb, for they cannot air their views on public platforms, he said, adding that  the large society was insensitive to the problems confronting the dumb and deaf.   "What they require is not alms or charity, but equal opportunity, "the judge said.  The sensitivity index of a country is reflected at the level of equal opportunity provided to the disabled persons, and the society must not treat it as a problem of a few individuals, Mr. Justice Chandru said.

Advocate D. Geetha said the fight for the rights of the deaf and dumb would continue within the four walls of the judicial system.  T. Raghava of the association said the organisation had about 700 members and that it was the duty of  the Government to implement the provisions of the persons with disability Act and provide educational and employment  concessions to them.

Some of the participants complained that through the blind were receiving considerate attention of the civil society, the deaf and dumb were locked down upon.  The also narrated instances of discrimination, harassment and denial of their rights at work places.  All through the meeting ,  organised by the Human Rights law Network, the participants were completely at ease with each other in discussing their problems.

Courtesy by: The Hindu