Lahore: In a significant development for educational inclusivity, the University of Central Punjab has initiated a transformative step by appointing Muhammad Mueen Nawaz, a Deaf instructor, to teach hearing students. This marks a pioneering effort in integrating Pakistani Sign Language (PSL) into the curriculum for BS English Linguistics students, thereby fostering an environment of direct and inclusive communication.
According to University of Central Punjab, the initiative aims to transcend traditional educational boundaries and focus on the lived experiences of both Deaf and hearing individuals. With the support of a dedicated interpreter, Ms. Shazia Anwar, the first day of classes saw a seamless interaction between Nawaz and the students, as they communicated through sign language. The university's management has been credited for its commitment to making inclusion a standard practice in education.
This initiative is seen as a bold move towards breaking down communication barriers and creating shared spaces for all students. The university hopes that these efforts will encourage other educational institutions to adopt similar inclusive practices.