Launch of the Indonesian Sign Language Monolingual Digital Mental Health Dictionary
- Stefanus Sinar Firdaus
- Jul 13
- 2 min read
Mental health is an essential part of everyone's well-being, including that of the Deaf community. However, access to mental health information in Indonesian Sign Language (Bisindo) remains very limited. Many mental health terms are difficult to understand because accessible explanations tailored to the needs of the Deaf community have not been widely available.
In response to this need, Indonesian Deaf Mental Health (KMTI) has launched the Indonesian Sign Language Monolingual Digital Mental Health Dictionary, an inclusive educational resource designed to improve access to mental health information for the Deaf community in Indonesia.
KMTI is a working group established in 2023 through a collaboration between Gerkatin and Pusbisindo. Its mission is to foster a mentally healthy Deaf community in Indonesia by providing sign language-friendly access to mental health information and resources.
The digital dictionary features a wide range of mental health terminology in Indonesian Sign Language, presented through sign language videos, visual explanations, and easy-to-understand definitions. It is designed not only to help Deaf individuals better understand mental health issues, but also to serve as an educational resource for families, caregivers, professionals, and the wider community.
Beyond serving as an information resource, the dictionary represents an important first step toward improving access to more inclusive mental health services. By providing clear and accessible terminology in Indonesian Sign Language, Deaf individuals can feel more confident seeking support, discussing mental health, and understanding their own well-being.
The development of the Indonesian Sign Language Monolingual Digital Mental Health Dictionary was made possible with support from The Starbucks Foundation, reflecting a shared commitment to improving accessibility and empowering communities.
The launch of this digital dictionary marks an important milestone in expanding access to mental health information for the Deaf community across Indonesia. KMTI hopes the dictionary will continue to grow, reaching more Deaf people in communities throughout the country.
Together, let's build a society that is more inclusive, equitable, and supportive of the mental well-being of Indonesia's Deaf community. Penulis: Siti Rodiah - Koordinator KMTI
Editor: Stefanus Sinar Firdaus - Humas Pusat Pusbisindo
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