I am a proud deaf woman living in Kerala, India, and my life has been nothing short of a beautiful and adventurous journey. I cherish every moment of it. From an early age, I was fortunate to have parents who were immensely supportive of my ambitions and dreams.

I am confident in my ability to achieve my goals and fulfill my dreams. Despite my disability, I have developed skills and abilities that empower me on my journey. I remain optimistic about the future.

For me, being deaf has never been a significant obstacle. Deafness is merely a condition—just like anyone else who has their own challenges to overcome in navigating life. If the people around us, and society as a whole, are sensitive to our needs, deaf individuals can be just as productive and accomplished as anyone else.

This is where sensitization becomes crucial within our communities. The same holds true for other conditions, such as mental health and neurodiversity. However, if things don’t unfold as expected, we must take control of our circumstances and create solutions ourselves. Only then will society begin to notice and embrace us.

How can I change the perception of what it means to be deaf in our society?

To make a real impact, more of us need to be integrated into society’s daily life—not just as "deaf individuals," but as professionals such as engineers, doctors, and IT experts. This was my dream, and it’s what led me to establish the Digital Arts Academy for the Deaf (DAAD).

DAAD is an EdTech startup that focuses on Indian Sign Language (ISL)-based education programs. Today, I work passionately for the welfare of deaf children. Along with my team, I’ve developed an ISL program designed to raise awareness, improve skills, and empower these children for a brighter future.

By Remya Raj