New Logos For Hearing-Impaired Drivers Will Soon Adorn Telangana Vehicles

When India passed a judgement finally allowing those who were hearing-impaired to apply for a driver’s license, the country rejoiced. Of course, this was only applicable to those with hearing aids. Only after providing medical tests, were they allowed to go through with the test. In a prior report, a specialist said, “If a person is rehabilitated with hearing amplification (hearing aid or cochlear implant) and can hear reasonably with the device, there seems little reason to deprive him or her of a driving license.”

The state of Telangana aims to make their roads a little more disabled-friendly, with a little help from blaring red stickers—with logos on them, designed by Manikanta Annapragada, the country’s first ‘hearing impaired’ license holder. The logo consists of a graphic, and text saying, “Driver is deaf. Please watch out.” The size specifications differ for two-wheelers and four-wheelers. Two-wheelers will feature a sticker four inches tall and three inches wide on the rear, and three inches tall and two inches wide on the front. Four-wheelers will have a logo six inches tall, and five inches wide on the rear; and four inches tall, three inches wide on the front.

After the judgement in November 2016, several people with a hearing impairment had signed up for a driver’s test. Previously, we’ve spoken about how our country needs to be more inclusive, and now, with these added measures, we’re hopeful this is the first step, for many more states.