Sign Language Workshop “Everyone Can Speak: Know and Learn Sign Language”

Students from the Bachelor of Education for Islamic Elementary School Teachers Program at Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta presented a Sign Language Workshop with the topic "Everyone Can Speak: Know and Learn Sign Language" on May 14, 2022, at 08.00 WIB - concluded through Zoom and aired live via Youtube. Mr. Sigit Prasetyo, S.Pd.I, M.Pd. Si was the Keynote Speaker for this workshop, and Dhomas Erika Ratnasari, S.Pd, a deaf student, Master of Disability Studies and Inclusive Education, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, and Raihana Dhaniswari, a deaf student, S1 Library Science, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyak Mrs Dr Maemonah, M.Ag as program director, Mrs Izzatin Kamala S.Pd, M.Pd as a lecturer, and Shabrina Salsabila, a 6th-semester student in the Bachelor of Education for Islamic Elementary School Teachers Program, as workshop organizer. Furthermore, provide a warm welcome. Amalia Okta Nugraini and Fiki Risma, students from the 6th semester of the Bachelor of Education for Islamic Elementary School Teachers Program, served as MCs and moderators for the event.


This workshop has an exciting concept and picked this topic because they recognize the importance of sign language in all circles to make the world more inclusive. In essence, everyone may learn sign language so that the rest of the community can support the deaf. "In reality, everyone, not just those who accompany the deaf, but also the general public, can learn sign language." We can learn sign language together by hosting this course," remarked Shabrina Salsabila, Chief Executive (14/5/2022). A difference will not be a problem in implementing education because this education is for everyone, including those with special needs, allowing for inclusive education to be produced. Knowing sign language is one of our ways of understanding human existence and all of its diversity. "Human existence is viewed not only from the physical but also from the physical and spiritual; therefore, inclusive education must be used in the education." "As the dean of the Bachelor of Education for Islamic Elementary School Teachers Program (14/5/2022), Dr Mrs Maemonah, M.Ag stated, "We need to learn sign language as a way of understanding the distinctions that exist."


Deaf individuals require a style that considers their linguistic and cultural demands. As a result, it is critical for all of us, particularly potential teachers, to be conversant with deaf culture and deaf languages (sign language). "Knowing sign language is critical." As a lecturer in the Bachelor of Education for Islamic Elementary School Teachers Program, Mrs Izzatin Kamala S.Pd, M.Pd stated, "This can be a way to learn the deaf culture and deaf linguistic language." Mr. Sigit Prasetyo, S.Pd.I, M.Pd. On the other hand, Si, the Keynote Speaker, explained that the way deaf individuals interact with regular humans is markedly different. "This is critical and must be considered and comprehended in tandem. Furthermore, learning sign language basics is essential for talking with deaf persons. To begin, learn the letters of the alphabet and numerals" (14/5/2022).


When communicating with deaf people, people must follow current ethics. Concerning the considerations that must be made while conversing with deaf people, remember to remember that some things are not allowed when conversing with deaf people. "All prohibited when communicating with deaf people includes: Talking too fast, using a maker, the other person is not paying attention, communicating with the deaf in a dark room, speaking with his back to the deaf person, shouting for the deaf person from a distance, and throwing small objects" stated Dhomas Erika Ratnasari, S.Pd, Deaf student Master of Disability Studies and Inclusive Education at Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University Yogyakarta (14/5/2022).


When communicating with deaf people, they always use sign language. Based on the available data, the BISINDO kind of sign language is the most often used in Indonesia since it is simple. As resource persons, Dhomas Erika Ratnasari, a deaf student pursuing a Master Degree in Disability Studies and Inclusive Education at the State Islamic University of Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, and Raihana Dhaniswari, a deaf student pursuing a bachelor's degree in Library Science at the State Islamic University of Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, invited participants to practice primary sign language BISINDO together. The content studied includes the letters of the alphabet, familiar words, and others. All participants enthusiastically participated in sign language practice.


Overall, the workshop went successfully. Although there were a few barriers, such as member contributions, member coordination, and not all committees being in the exact location, these issues could be managed appropriately. This is certainly the result of the efforts of the whole committee that contributed to the event's success. "The problem may be that the committee is having difficulty allocating time and coordinating, especially because this event is being done online and not all of us are in the same place," stated Shabrina Salsabila, Chief Executive (14/5/2022). "The event heads an obstacle in terms of member contribution in carrying out their duties, but I overcome this problem by fairly dividing tasks among all members, talking really well with members, and taking into account the situations of each member," said Event Coordinator Indah Nur Aryati (14/5/2022).


It is hoped that everyone, especially the deaf, would be capable of understanding one another despite their differences after the sign language session. "Hopefully, this training will be beneficial in the future and help build a more pleasant and inclusive society, as well as motivate students and others around them to learn sign language together," stated Shabrina Salsabila, Chief Executive (14/5/2022). "I wish that the workshop participants and the community would pay more attention to issues of inclusion and not ignore them (those with special needs) since they must have great skills behind it." Said Event Coordinator: Indah Nur Aryati (14/5/2022).