Date:22/09/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/09/22/stories/2005092216550200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Programme to generate more sign language interpreters

Staff Reporter

Ability Foundation to conduct a series of sign language classes for better communication with speech impaired people The awareness week also has its share of entertainment for movie buffs

CHENNAI: Ability Foundation has dedicated the last week of September to people with hearing impairment.

Deaf Awareness Week

The `Deaf Awareness Week', starting from September 23 to 30, would have a series of programmes to bridge communication between hearing impaired and others.

To be held in connection with the `International Week for the Deaf', the programme aims at generating more sign language interpreters for better communication with hearing and speech impaired.

Aptly named `Sound of Silence', the Foundation would conduct a series of sign language classes for several sects of people--police personnel, hospital personnel, teachers, hotel staff and those working in railway stations and airports.

The sign language course for beginners would be held between September 26 and 30.

And it does not end there. The awareness week also has its share of entertainment for movie buffs.

An all-day screening of international silent movies at Sathyam Cinemas has been slated on Saturday. The visual treat would have films from USA, France, Holland and India screened. Besides classics such as `Light of Asia' and `The Kid', the festival would also have recent films such as Kamal Hassan-starrer `Pushpak'.

The schedule of the revival of silent movies, which would be treat for hearing impaired persons, at Sathyam Cinemas is as follows:

10 a.m.: `Zoo' and `Kid', 12.30 p.m.: `Pushpak', 4 p.m.: `The Iron Mask', 6.30 p.m.: `Light of Asia' and 9 p.m.: `Monsieur Hulot's Holiday'.

Live music concert

There would also be live music concert by Sri Parasuram and ensemble. However, passes for the films have to be collected in advance. For details, contact the foundation: Phone 24452400 or email at abilityindia@vsnl.net.