DENPASAR

It’s amazing, people of Bengkala Village, Kubutambahan, Buleleng, respect the existence of deaf and mute people in that area.

They do not only respect but also live in harmony and accept the disabilities without disparaging or insulting, even almost half of them can use “kolok” language (sign language which is only used by persons with disabilities in Bengkala).

“We are amazed, because almost all people here can learn  kolok language. They want to learn it so they can live in harmony with the disabilities in this village, “said Narno Supangat, as a consultant of Harmoni Hearing Center, which helps the delivery of hearing aids for deaf and mute children of Bengkala Village by Lions Club of Singapore Meyer, in Inclusive  School of  Bengkala Village, Saturday (24/10).

He explained that the disabled people in that area can live side by side with other common people without any discrimination or insults.

“Deaf and mute children here can play like other children without any fear to be bullied by their friends. This is really special, perhaps only in Bengkala we can find this kind of situation, ” he said.

Narno said, at least that is expected to make them happy and can learn to hear.

Meanwhile, Head of Bengkala Village I Made Arpana said, the current number of “kolok” people in the area is decreasing. That is because they want to be able to get normal offspring.

“Probably in the ‘80s the number of persons with disabilities in this village up to hundreds but now it has been reduced. This time there is only 39,” he said.

He said that one of reasons why the number of “kolok” people decreasing is many of them are mating with normal people or from other areas.

Previously, Ronald Burgess as a President Lions Club of Singapore Meyer said it was a pleasure to help persons with disabilities in Bengkala and hopefully he could do more than this.

Sumarni (11) one of the recipients of hearing aids from Lions Club of Singapore Meyer supported by Oticon Singapore Pte Ltd, said he was happy to receive it and feel comfortable using it.

It was shown by the little girl by raising her thumbs up while smiling.