Saying it with signs

25.05.2017
An initiative to hear the voices of the unheard saw differently-abled people teach us how to communicate better with them

Remember playing dumb charades with your friends? The game where words and phrases are communicated with gestures and signs is a fun activity to indulge in. But, in the world of the differently-abled, this game is their lingo where signs become their language.

That was the premise of Fingerchats, a community meet where you use fingers to chat. It was held recently at the Rangoli Metro Arts Centre. Organised by Enable India, the aim of the event was to learn sign language from differently-abled people to facilitate easier communication.

Vishnu Ashok, who is hearing impaired and one of the teachers at the meet, says: “I enjoy these activities. It is heart-warming to see so many people take interest in learning our language.”

Pointing out that it is better to learn Tamil in Tamil Nadu from a Tamilian rather than an American living there, the interaction saw participants return to their basics trying to communicate with sign language using alphabets, names of places and colours among others.


The initiative, hosted in collaboration with Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL), was also used to educate Metro staff using simple and relatable methodology. Vasanth Rao, the Chief Public Relations Officer of BMRCL, says: “I happened to notice one of the volunteers of Enable India in a coffee shop nearby. I was blown away by her use of gestures while conversing. I approached her immediately and told her that the BMRCL wants to partner with them to be sensitised to the needs of differently-abled people. Currently, we have ramped stations, wheelchairs and blind-compatible tiles and lifts.” Rao adds that this programme will help make their staff proficient in assisting and escorting differently-abled people.The event saw participants engage in learning using gustatory, olfactory and visual senses to talk with one another. Nirmala Das, a senior citizen at the meet, was full of enthusiasm to communicate with her differently-abled counterparts. “It was unforgettably mesmerising. I had a few acquaintances who were differently-abled when I was young. I became nostalgic when I came here. Learning sign language is gratifying and I’m sure I can put this to good use.”

Anup Ram, another energetic participant says: “This is an inimitable experience. The language was easy and relatable. I not only enjoyed the activities, but also ended up learning something offbeat.”

Kartik Ramnath, a young software engineer, who was curious about the event, says, “I was drawn to the uniqueness of this meet. I pride myself for successfully learning a lot of alphabets and basic words.” Joining him, Satish, an accountant, used gestures to sign: “It was wow!” Running out of more signs, he adds in words: “I have decided to attend the event next time as well. I want to be more involved in their initiatives.”