THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For Vishu S S, Vaishnu S Nair, Daniel J and Jeby Gerald, this was their first visit to the swanky interiors of the Technopark, located 15 kilometres away from the city. But the visit inspired these children, who along with 68 schoolmates from Government School For Deaf and Dumb in Jagathy, to choose IT as their career.
They are not there yet. But for them the event hosted by Talking Hands, an organisation for the differently-abled employees of Technopark companies, gave inspiration.
Seventy two children, from the pre KG to the higher secondary, visited Technopark alongwith their teachers and parents as part of the International day for persons with Disability 2016. Once there they found that around 30 differently-abled IT professionals are working with various companies in the park. The first person account of speakers regaled the special audience with messages of how one can be instrumental in bringing a positive change personally and professionally. Insight on how they can prepare for IT, BPO jobs, the future of assistive technology that can help them to become more independent and a walk through deafness, deaf culture and awareness was shared with the audience.
The interaction proved helpful in boosting their aspiration level. “The students communicated with the professionals, enquired about their studies and family. They all left the IT park very happy,” said Robinson P, a teacher. Seeing the students’ enthusiasm, the founder of Talking Hands Kingsley David asked who wants to take up a career in IT. The four names mentioned above were among the 22 students from the higher secondary and tenth standard, who responded positively. The NGO is now planning to conduct a monthly IT training class at the school.
After a walk through the campus, the students performed various cultural programmes. Rahul, a resident of Sri Chitra Poor Home and a Plus Two student of the school, received appreciation for his solo dance. Navneet G Nair presented an impressive classical dance performance. A mime was performed on the merits of mobile phone use. A differently-abled employee of Suntec, Preeth Pavitharan presented a magic show for the students.
The event was attended by senior officials from Allianz, UST Global, RRD and Technopark. A motivational message from Technopark CEO was shared with the students. The messages were conveyed in sign language to the special audience.
“Thanks to technology, today people with disabilities can perform any task with ease and within the timeframe. We have also ensured that infrastructure and systems are in place in Technopark for our friends with disabilities,” said Hrishikesh Nair, CEO Technopark.