Currently, over 1.5 billion people across the globe are affected by hearing loss, and the demographic is only growing. According to the World Health Organization, “Over 1 billion young adults are at risk of permanent, avoidable hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices”.
But an organization for hearing and speech-impaired in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India has proved that everyone deserves access to quality education and learning, no matter the circumstances.
What is ASS?
ASS works primarily in education, employment, and rehabilitation for deaf tribal and rural populations. They provide the training and employment assistance necessary to achieve their dreams.
Mr. Gyanendra Purohit and his wife, Mrs. Monica, established the organization “Anand Service Society” (ASS) in 2000 as a memorial to Gyanendra’s brother, a hearing and speech-impaired man who sadly passed away in a train accident. This organization works to improve the lives of deaf people, children with special needs, and other vulnerable groups in society.
Indian National Song for Hearing and Speech-Impaired
Gyanendra and Monica Purohit, the society’s founders, created the National Anthem in sign language. Approximately 7,000,000 Indians who are deaf or have speech impairments now have the opportunity to sing the National Anthem and Vande Matram in their own sign language.
Awards and Accolades
Tutoring helped individuals with speech impairment pass the instructors’ eligibility exam in 2005. But, the education department refused to hire them. Gyanendra Purohit followed law and became an advocate after contacting numerous attorneys and being dissatisfied by the injustice done.
After becoming an advocate, took up this matter in court, requesting that 15000 Deaf students enrolled in regular schools be granted access. The couple won the lawsuit, and ordered the state government to provide the Deaf community a reserve on teaching positions.
Fought for deaf and speech impaired teacher reservations and were successful; today, thousands of the disabled can receive employment.
On the 14th of January, 2016, the Society and its founding couple were awarded by a steel foundation for their innovative endeavor to find, reward, and acknowledge local leaders and innovators for their remarkable courage, devotion, and confidence.
Spreading the word with KBC
Kaun Banega Crorepati is a Hindi-language television game show in India. It is the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? franchise’s official Hindi interpretation. Except for the third season, which was presented by a prominent Bollywood actor, it has been hosted by actor Amitabh Bachchan from its debut.
The host recognized the couple on his show in the special segment taking place in 2020.
A Police Station Specially for disabled people
The couple also helped advocate for establishing India’s first Police Station for the deaf alongside a local Police Station in Indore, where individuals may file complaints in sign language. This furthered the possibility for the disabled to fight for justice, and to make their voices heard when it comes to legal affairs.
Wrapping Up
Individuals with mental and developmental challenges continue to confront several obstacles in leading the life they desire in their communities.
Everyone ought to have access to the services they require to be self-sufficient, whether that means living in their own home, working, or participating in the activities they choose. Instead, many disabled individuals are confined to institutions, while others suffer long lines for services, skyrocketing unemployment rates, and disruptions to key services.
Every day, the organization struggles to break down these obstacles, but it is vital that others take initiative. Volunteering with local non-profits to break barriers and provide a greater chance to equality depends on the population, not on individuals.