Once Punished for Her Deafness, Rupmani Chhetri Now Empowers Thousands With Her Signable App

From Overcoming Childhood Discrimination to Co-Founding a Revolutionary App, Rupmani Chhetri’s Journey is Transforming Communication for the Deaf in India

Rupmani Chhetri, co-founder of SignAble Communications, has transformed the lives of thousands of Deaf individuals across India with the development of the SignAble app. Growing up in Darjeeling, Rupmani faced discrimination, isolation, and punishment for her Deafness, with no access to sign language or adequate support. Despite these hardships, her perseverance led her to co-found the Bengaluru-based startup in 2019, alongside Tarun Sarwal. Together, they developed the app, which provides a video relay service, enabling Deaf individuals to communicate with interpreters in real-time, breaking down barriers to communication in essential areas like healthcare, law enforcement, and workplaces.

The app currently boasts a diverse pool of over 50 interpreters who assist users in 12 languages, allowing the Deaf community to communicate effortlessly with service providers, family, and colleagues. With a subscription model, users can access live interpreters, and companies can hire dedicated interpreters for their Deaf employees. SignAble also offers additional services such as sign language training and the translation of video content, making it a comprehensive platform for communication and learning for the Deaf in India.

With over 50,000 users, SignAble continues to grow, having received recognition and funding through various challenges and competitions. Rupmani now has her sights set on expanding the app’s services to the educational sector, aiming to give Deaf students access to sign language from a young age, a privilege she was denied. By providing better opportunities for learning and communication, she hopes to create a more inclusive education system for future generations.

Reference:

thebetterindia.com