RTO licence move music for applicants with hearing issues - Times of India

Pune: The city regional transport office (RTO) will take efforts to ensure that more people with partial hearing impairment apply for driving licences.
“On an average, each month we receive two to three applications from those with partial hearing loss. Some months, we receive none. An exact break-up cannot be given because we don’t put them in a different category and they must go through the same process as anyone else. However, we feel that the numbers should go up. We are planning to undertake an awareness drive next year.” an official told TOI.
Another official, on the condition of anonymity, said the RTO does receive enquires from people with partial hearing impairment for getting their driving licences made. “There is an awareness, however, due to some unknown reasons, many people don’t turn up again after making their enquiries. We are considering to take the help of the non-governmental organizations to connect with such people. The help of educational institutions would also be sought,” the official said.
Sagar (name changed), who lives in Kondhwa and suffers partial hearing impairment, told TOI that he has never applied for a driving license. “We do own a two-wheeler and even though I can drive, I am yet to gather the confidence to apply for a licence,” he said.
“The mindset needs to change. The agencies, including the RTO, need to become proactive towards helping people with hearing loss. I know someone who fought hard and long to get a driving licence here. They might have partial hearing impairment, but their other senses are stronger than others,” said ENT surgeon A M Wachasunder.