L&T and DEF present a solution that will enhance the lives of the hearing impaired, simplifying communication between them and the abled

Jaipur, April 10, 2019: As part of their Corporate Social Responsibility activities, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in association with the Deaf Enabled Foundation (DEF) launched an Indian Sign Language (ISL) mobile app – DEF-ISL.

The DEF-ISL app makes learning of sign language easy, accessible and interesting. Packed with 5000+ easy-to-understand signs and phrases, in-built videos, illustrations, this easy-to-navigate app can be used both by adults and children who are hearing impaired. The customized mobile app is available for download on both iOs and Android platforms. The DEF-ISL App also offers an opportunity to those without hearing problems to learn sign language and thereby communicate with the hearing impaired, more effectively.

“L&T has taken digitization to the next level by integrating digital technologies into our day-to-day business. The launch of the DEF-ISL App is a small but definitive step towards bringing the fruits of digitization to help the hearing impaired live a better life,” said Mr. S. N. Subrahmanyan, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Larsen & Toubro. “Providing a platform that will help the entire hearing impaired community, their interpreters, families and educators to understand sign language, will go a long way to facilitate easier conversations and exchange of ideas, thereby enabling a more inclusive society,” he added.

“India has the highest population of hearing impaired people in the world, numbering 18 million. Only 0.25% of these numbers presently have access to bilingual education where knowledge of sign language is primary and that of a local language,” informed Mr. Hari Hara Kumar, General Secretary & Director, Board of DEF. “The DEF -ISL app effectively utilises visuals, gestures and alphabets to develop a unique solution for learning sign language and enhancing English language communication skills. L&T’s support has been invaluable in formulating this unique App and bring it to life,” he concluded earnestly.

Ms. Priya Anand, celebrated actress and Brand Ambassador for DEF, expressed her appreciation for the collaborative efforts of DEF and L&T Construction to address the day to day challenges faced by the hearing impaired.

DEF is an organization of the deaf, for the deaf, by the deaf, that addresses issues of communication for the deaf and focus on developing methods and resources to improve their connect with the society at large. They aim to make a lasting impact on the future of thousands of deaf or hard of hearing children and adults by providing them access to early identification, hearing technology and expertise to reach their full potential.

Background:

Larsen & Toubro is an Indian multinational engaged in technology, engineering, construction, manufacturing and financial services with USD 18 billion in revenue. It operates in over 30 countries worldwide. A strong, customer–focused approach and the constant quest for top-class quality have enabled L&T to attain and sustain leadership in its major lines of business for over eight decades.

*L&T Construction is a brand of Larsen & Toubro