Fingertalk A: Breaking the Silence and Empowering Individuals with Disabilities

Abstract

Dissa Ahdanisa always wanted to make positive changes for a better and inclusive society. When she was ten years old, she met an old man who was deaf. It was her first encounter with people with disabilities. Dissa then realized the potential of overcoming communication barriers through sign language. Many years later, fuelled by her commitment, passion for social service and dedication to learning sign language, she left her day job for a volunteer opportunity in Nicaragua. That was where she discovered Café de la Sonrisas [Café of Smiles], which was staffed by deaf people. The experience made Dissa realize that deaf people could work together in the community with hearing people. She was inspired. She saw an opportunity to change perceptions of people and provide equal employment opportunities for deaf people in her home country, Indonesia. What could she do to realize that vision? Dissa started to research her options to embark on her dream.