“Breaking Barriers: Zamir Dhale’s Advocacy for Deafblind Passengers in Air Travel”
Recently, Mr. Zamir Dhale, a remarkable deafblind traveler, embarked on a journey to Mangalore for professional purposes, traveling independently via Indigo Airlines. His experience with Indigo Airlines was commendable, with their team exhibiting outstanding support and assistance for passengers with disabilities. However, Zamir noticed an area that requires improvement, especially for deafblind passengers like himself.
Despite the efforts made by a few crew members who could communicate with Zamir effectively using Printed on Palm (POP), a method involving printing messages on the palm in large English text, there remains a significant gap in communication. Zamir encountered challenges due to the lack of crew members proficient in sign language, which led him to advocate for a more inclusive approach.
Upon his return to Pune from Mangalore via Bangalore, Zamir encountered Mr. Avindash Jalari, a deaf crew member working at the Bangalore airport. Avindash’s ability to communicate with Zamir by typing messages on his phone highlighted the potential for improved communication methods. However, Zamir emphasized the importance of all crew members, including pilots and air hostesses, learning sign language to ensure effective communication with deafblind and deaf passengers.
Zamir suggested collaborating with the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPWD) to facilitate training programs for airline staff and transportation personnel across India. This initiative aims to foster a culture of inclusivity and respect for individuals with disabilities throughout the travel industry.
Moreover, Zamir emphasized the importance of creating employment opportunities for deafblind individuals, acknowledging the challenges they face in accessing education and technology. He proposed that uneducated deafblind individuals could engage in roles such as housekeeping or assembly line work in companies, providing them with meaningful employment opportunities.
Zamir’s recommendations extend beyond the aviation sector, advocating for the inclusion of deafblind employees in various industries, citing examples of successful deafblind individuals working in diverse roles, such as clerks and IT professionals.
In conclusion, Zamir’s advocacy efforts highlight the need for proactive measures to promote accessibility, communication, and employment opportunities for deafblind individuals across India. He expresses gratitude to Indigo Airlines for their support and encourages further initiatives to enhance inclusivity nationwide.
