New DEF-ISL app aims to bridge communication barriers between deaf and hearing

Technology

The importance of Indian Sign Language (ISL) and its relevance in today’s times is discussed a lot. Unlike earlier times, now there is a sea of change to spread awareness about ISL. In a first, India will have an exclusive mobile app that will teach sign language to its users. Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has launched the new DEF-ISL app which is going to revolutionise the way sign language is taught and learnt in India. All that you need to do is download the app on your phone and start learning sign language, everything easily available at your finger tip.

Launched by L&T as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, DEF-ISL app has already been launched in the market. DEF-ISL has been created in collaboration with Deaf Enable Foundation (DAF), an NGO that works towards empowering deaf people in India. The app is truly a big step towards inclusion. It is going to break communication barriers between a deaf and hearing person.

Jessy Samuel, Principal of Sheila Kothavala Institute for Deaf says that DEF-ISL is truly a remarkable one through which people who are not deaf can learn sign language with ease.

This app is going to be really useful because even hearing people has access to this. Both children and adults will benefit from such a mobile app. But in India, there are many deaf people from economically backward families who never had access to education. It is the same case with their family members as well. For them, a mobile app that is in English will be of no use. It would be great if regional languages are also incorporated-Jessy Samuel, Principal, Sheila Kothavala Institute for Deaf

Makers of the DEF-ISL have confirmed that they have already been receiving great response for the app with already 10,000 downloads ever since its launch. DEF-ISL is available in both iOs and Android platforms. The app is a combination of visuals, words and actions so that the message reaches the user with ease. It can be used by parents, family members and even teachers who work along with deaf children. Do you have a deaf colleague? Download DEF-ISL and learn a word per day so that communication with your colleague also becomes easy and fun.

“This app is going to be useful for parents and family members of those who wish to communicate with their children who are deaf, says Atharv Beloskar, a deaf student from Indian Institute of Technology in Mumbai.

L&T has plans to popularise DEF-ISL in schools and colleges across India. Most of the people consider learning sign language difficult. DEF-ISL wants to break the misconception. It is a great way for people from all walks of life, disabled or not, to learn sign language which is an interesting means of communication.

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