Brilio.net/en - Central Java and its surrounding communities are full of angkringan, or traditional food stalls. And its not uncommon to find people from all walks of life hanging out in these bustling areas. But one ankringan has gained a lot of attention for its unique qualities. Its patrons dont just get a delicious meal they also get to learn a bit of sign language.
Its located in Yogyakarta more specifically in Pringwulung culinary village, Depok, Sleman. And they offer Mandre Angkringan, a sign language course to its visitors. They dont just do this as a gimmick 50 percent of the people who work at Angkringan Tuli (deaf ankringan) are themselves hearing impaired.
Angkringan Tuli opened in December 2014 by Broto Wijayanto and his colleague, Ms. Amu. Leaders of the Deaf Art Community Yogyakarta (DACY), they were inspired after hearing about deaf members of the community being discriminated against. So they decided to start a business that would not only employ the hearing impaired, but help them reach out to others as well.
The deaf angkringans menu isnt much different what youd find at other food stands in the area. But theyve managed to draw a number of patrons due to the unique services they offer. In a recent interview with brilio.net, Fransiska, 24, a DAVY community guide, spoke of its customer base. The special thing is that some employees are deaf, so many people are attracted and inspired. Besides, the visitors can also learn sign languages taught directly by the hearing-impaired employees.
The effusive woman also added that community members interested in learning more sign language dont have to stick to the deaf angkringan. There are other locations around Yogyakarta where lessons are offered, including the DACY office. She explained that, (You can learn the sign language) in the office center every Monday evening, in here every Friday afternoon, and every Thursday evening in Identitas Coffee. Its all free.
Of course, it is very exciting to see a lot of people who care about the hearing-impaired Starting from elementary students, teachers, university students, a lot of people join our sign language class. Fransiska believes that the deaf angkringan has helped raise community awareness and recognition of disabled citizens, particularly those who are hearing impaired. And she said that this inclusion has helped them feel more positive about their involvement in the community.