Visual Vernacular

Dr. Alim Chandani is a social entrepreneur who launched Freedom to Sign™, a social business that promotes Indian Sign Language and supports Deaf artists. Passionate about art and inclusion, Alim is dedicated to creating opportunities for Deaf artists and performers, while showing the Deaf community worldwide that “impossible dreams can become possible.”

He holds a PhD in Special Education Management from Gallaudet University and has extensive experience in international development, focusing on people with disabilities. Currently, he works as a Consultant for Hear a Million, an Initiative of EnAble India.

Benin, the Team Lead of Orjet Foundation and a Deaf performer from Kerala, graduated with B.Sc from NISH. He grew up loving cartoon animations and storytelling. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he discovered international Visual Vernacular (VV) videos, which inspired him to channel his creativity into professional VV performances, motivating others through his techniques

Soham, born into a Deaf family, is a Deaf performer currently studying for his undergraduate degree. Inspired by Benin, his teacher at Orjet Foundation, he has grown into a talented Visual Vernacular (VV) performer, showcasing his creativity through expressive performances.

Amaldev, a Deaf artist from Kerala and BFA graduate from NISH, found his passion for Visual Vernacular (VV) by chance. From humble beginnings, he transformed into a professional VV performer, showcasing the beauty of Deaf culture through his artistry.

Deepak C K, a Deaf performer from a Deaf family, graduated with B.Sc from NISH and admired VV performances. After facing challenges in expressing himself, he finally attended a training session that launched him into the world of Visual Vernacular (VV) performance, allowing him to share his unique stories.