Every workplace starts and ends with the communication cycle; but for those with hearing and speech disabilities, the conversations barely happen. The World Health Organization report states that about 63 million people in India have significant hearing loss and rely on ISL – Indian Sign Language – to connect and communicate. When sign language is missed, career pauses and unheard ideas are also missed; exclusion sneaks in, hindering growth. On the contrary, embracing sign language is beyond the sign of inclusion – it becomes an organization’s core value. This adds weightage to companies and other countries as they prepare to celebrate International Day of Sign Languages on September 23rd.
Sign Language Day: How It Started
The International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) is a reminder and invites all societies to respect and promote sign language globally.
The International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) was first celebrated in 2018, following a United Nations resolution that recognized the importance of sign languages in achieving human rights for Deaf people. The date, September 23, honors the founding of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) in 1951, an organization that has been a global advocate for communities with hearing disabilities. September 23rd also shines a light on India – with a slow progress. The Indian Government has officially recognized Indian Sign Language (ISL) in 2020, with the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) leading the way; but it has still not found its way in the corporate corridors.
Not all sign languages are same.
Sign languages are not universal; for Persons with hearing and speech disabilities, sign language serves as the primary means of communication. Unlike what most of us believe, sign language isn’t universal; each region and country has its own version and grammar. Here are some of the interesting facts:
- Different countries have different sign languages: There are about 300 different sign languages that are used globally today. This means different sign languages are developed organically over time among diverse groups. Some of the famous sign languages are American Sign Languages (ASL), French Sign Languages (FSL), Indian Sign Languages (ISL), and so on.
- Body language is crucial in sign language: Contrary to the popular belief that hand gestures form sign language, there are other important aspects too. Facial expressions, hand positions/movements, gestures, and body language play a key role. These aspects are equally important in sign languages as much as rhythm and tone in spoken languages.
- Sign language has its own grammar: Similar to spoken languages, sign languages also have defined rules for well-formed sentences. For instance, the eyebrow position in American Sign Languages is different for a “W” question (what, where, when, why, and who) and a yes/no question. So, incorrect position would lead to confusion in sign language.
- Name signs by Persons with hearing disabilities: People with hearing disabilities use “name signs” to refer to objects, emotions, or even people. Instead of signing individual letters or characters, they use a single sign to refer to themselves, their hobby or jobs.
Sign Language in Indian Workplaces
Building a workplace which includes sign language is not a Herculean task; it starts with small, yet consistent steps. Some initiatives include:
- Offer ISL Training: Short, interactive workshops on sign languages, greetings, and interactions can help and empower employees with interaction. Simple efforts like these can help break barriers and embrace inclusion.
- Make Tech Inclusive: Using captioning tools and text-to-speech applications can make communication more inclusive along with sign language.
- Embed Inclusion in Policy: True inclusion is when accessibility is part of the policies, initiatives, leadership journeys, and career planning. If need arises, interpreters can be roped in for interviews, training programs, and even corporate events.
When companies weave these actions into their policies and DNA, sign language will not be a support tool but a shared culture of communication and inclusion.
Inclusion is often spoken about in terms of fairness, but at its heart, it is about belonging. For persons with hearing/speech disabilities, belonging begins when their language is acknowledged and valued. This Sign Language Day, Indian organizations have the chance to go beyond token gestures. Sign language is more than hands in motion – it is voices being heard, careers being built, and lives being included. The unheard workforce is ready. The real question is: are workplaces ready to listen?
Let’s build workplaces where every voice – spoken or signed – is heard. Write to us at info@avtarcc.in to know more.
