KARACHI:
A unique teahouse in the heart of the metropolis has quietly become a vital meeting place for people with hearing and speech impairments.
Known among locals as the “Sitting Room” or “Drawing Room” for the hearing and speech impaired, this teahouse in the Federal Capital Area (FC Area) serves as a sanctuary where people facing similar challenges gather nightly to share their joys, struggles, and experiences – communicating in sign language.
For the past 10 years, this teahouse has provided more than just tea; it has fostered a sense of belonging and support. Every evening, young and elderly people with hearing and speech impairments come together after work, engaging in conversations on various topics ranging from personal experiences to economic issues. Discussions often revolve around job opportunities, financial advice, and problem-solving strategies.
Unlike the common misconception that people with disabilities rely on charity, these people take pride in their self-sufficiency, striving to support themselves and their families through hard work.
One of the key figures in this gathering is Rizwan Ansari, a 55-year-old government employee who is deaf and speech impaired. Through a combination of sign language, written communication, and an interpreter, he explained how this gathering evolved over time.
“A decade ago, a friend and I started visiting this teahouse after work. We would sit, have tea, and chat in our language before heading home. Over time, more people with hearing and speech impairments began joining us, and today, our group consists of more than 20 members of all ages,” Ansari said.
Recognising the challenges of communication outside their community, the group created a dedicated social media group where members stay connected, check on each other’s well-being, and coordinate their meetings. This virtual space ensures they remain in touch beyond their nightly gatherings.
Despite their resilience, people with hearing and speech impairments continue to face societal challenges. Abdul Rashid, a 25-year-old member of the group, expressed his frustration:
“Society sees us as disabled, but we are just different. We have special identity cards, yet there are no real facilities for us. Our biggest struggle is communication – people don’t understand us, and we can’t explain our problems to them.”
Abbas Raza, a 35-year-old member of the group, highlighted employment as their most pressing issue. “Government jobs are scarce, and private employers hesitate to hire us due to our disability. Even if we acquire skills, running a business is difficult. If I learn mobile phone repair, for example, how will I communicate with customers? How will they explain their problem to me? It takes extra time, and most customers won’t be willing to wait,” Raza added.
He further pointed out the lack of accessibility in government institutions, hospitals, and public transport. “There are no interpreters in hospitals. How are we supposed to tell a doctor about our illness? The absence of inclusive policies makes everyday life a struggle.”
Kashif Khan, a friend of the group who understands sign language, stressed the need for societal inclusion.
“These people are part of our society, yet they are often overlooked. They aren’t included in casual conversations or social gatherings, which makes them feel isolated. Employment is their biggest challenge – both the government and welfare Organization must create programs to support their economic stability,” Khan urged.
Muhammad Saleem Khan, President of the Zeenat Square Association and a social activist, echoed these sentiments, calling for better facilities for the hearing and speech impaired.
“There should be recreational spaces, employment opportunities, and marriage support programs for them. This teahouse provides them with a rare sense of community, but the government must take steps to ensure they have access to all necessary facilities.”
Attaullah, the manager of the teahouse, takes pride in hosting this special community.
“For years, our teahouse has been a second home to them. They are self-reliant people who share the cost of tea and snacks among themselves. Our staff understands their sign language, so we serve their orders without any issues. In many ways, their presence has given our teahouse its identity,” he said.
#Teahouse #hangout #speechimpaired
Leave a Reply