81,000 free transparent masks for those with hearing and speech disabilities: TN Government
Posted on: 01/Jun/2020 11:48:30 AM
The State Government of Tamil Nadu will distribute 81,000 transparent masks for hearing and speech impaired persons, their parents, trainers, teachers, and others to help them communicate by reading lips.
The government informed on Saturday (30th May) that hearing and speech impaired persons have to communicate by reading the lips of others and this was not possible with normal masks.
The Tamil Nadu Commissioner-ate for Welfare of Persons with Disabilities will be working on a pilot project to distribute 81,000 such masks to around 13,500 persons with disabilities, their families, caregivers, classmates, and teachers, allowing them to continue communication while ensuring safety.
The masks will be distributed through welfare organizations for those living with disabilities located in various districts.
This is being done keeping in mind that many with hearing and/or speech impairment need to read lips in order to communicate with others.
Dr. Mohammed Hakim, an MBBS doctor and emergency physician from Thuvarankurichi, Tiruchirapalli, was in the news earlier, this month, for developing similar masks.
Dr. Hakim had reportedly pointed out that the usual facemasks, which cover the nose and lips have become a hurdle for hearing impaired persons communicate.
With the masks designed by him, which have a transparent cover over the mouth while also covering the nose, these will allow for persons with hearing impairment to still communicate by lip-reading.
