Challenges faced by Hearing Disabled in India

To gain a deeper understanding of their problems, Supervasi has consulted with Institutes for the Deaf, employed and worked with Hearing Disabled people for several months, and conducted free Computer Training Workshops for Hearing Disabled youth at Thane, Maharashtra. These interactions highlighted several inherent challenges in the development of these youth.

Lack of Education

Few study beyond Std. 10, and some don’t even manage to complete schooling. They thus don’t have the basic knowledge needed to work in advanced professional fields such as Software, IT, Graphics & Animation.

Poor Conceptual Understanding

Because of inadequate mental inputs and stimulation, their general knowledge, basic concepts and understandings of life, and reasoning abilities are very poor – making it further difficult to train them.

Difficulty in Communication

Communicating with them is difficult. Most don’t know much sign language, beyond basic, everyday vocabulary - not sufficient to explain advanced and technical concepts.

Welfare Addiction

Many are used to being objects of welfare and charity, and are unable to get into a working attitude – of daily attendance, punctuality, taking responsibility for work, travelling alone, being separated from friends, and so on.

Psychological Struggles

Most have tremendous psychological struggles, due to their hearing disability and due to their adolescence, due to which they are unable to focus on learning and working productively.

Lack of Family Support

Many of their families dont have much hopefor their future prospects, and so dont take the interest and initiative to help them push past their limitations. They end up pandering to their struggles, or even ignoring them.