The first Dictionary of Sign Language has been launched in Chisinau. The book contains over 2,000 signs that are divided by areas, in alphabetical order, and are accompanied by pictures. The sign making descriptions are in Romanian, Russian and English, IPN reports.

“The dictionary is designed to help persons with hearing impairments and their families. Its launch is an important step for the Republic of Moldova in the social inclusion of persons with disabilities,” Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Protection and Family Anastasia Ocheretnyi said in the launch.

The dictionary was designed by the Association of the Deaf of the Republic of Moldova in partnership with the INFONET Alliance, with financial support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

In Moldova, there are over 3,500 persons with hearing impairments.