The Coimbatore District Association for the Hearing Impaired has appealed to the District Collector to help them get jobs in Government or private sector companies.

In a petition submitted to the Collector, T.N. Hariharan during grievances day meeting on Monday, the association members said most of them were forced to discontinue their studies due to poverty. “We are struggling to lead our lives as we do not have a source of income. Most of us discontinued studies after Grade 8 or 10,” A. Marisamy, association member, said.

According to him, though they get jobs in private sector, they do not get good salary in spite of working hard like normal people. “The Government should provide more employment opportunities for us according to our qualification,” he added.

The members also appealed to the authorities to help them in starting self help groups and in getting loans at lower interest rates to start some business.

Their other demands included driving licence (as it exists in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Maharasthra) and free bus passes for hearing impaired persons, who are above 60 years of age.