Activities : Conference

Conference

The Indian Sign Language (ISL) version of Conference.

A conference is a formal meeting in which many people gather in order to talk about ideas or problems related to a particular topic.

What is a National Deaf Conference? In an NDC, deaf leaders from all over India gather and have a meeting.

What do they discuss in these meetings?
1.) Advocacy of Deaf Rights
2.) Meeting officials
3.) Talking about different legals
4.) New technologies
5.) Deaf-friendly apps
6.) RPWD Bill

After having a discussion, the leaders go back to their cities and talk to people about what has been discussed in the conference.

Next, we will talk about National Deaf Women Empowerment Seminar. In this, deaf women, from all over India, participate and talk and train women who are discriminated and do not have development to help them know about women rights, different laws, healthcare and safety. Through these seminars deaf women learn how to be independent and fight for their rights and also meet many girls like them and talk about different problems they face.

Next, we will talk about Conference on Deaf Education. Teachers in deaf school do not know sign language and they teach by speaking so it is hard for deaf students to understand what is being taught. Thus, it is hard for the students to get education and progress. In this conference, teachers from deaf schools in India are invited and trained by professors from Delhi University and Dr. Madan Vasishta, PhD from Gallaudet University in USA. The teachers are taught sign language and how to teach better. Once teachers are well trained, the students would be more interested in what they teach. Deaf teachers can also join deaf schools and teach students.

What is Deaf Youth Conference? In this conference, experienced NAD leaders teach the deaf youth about advocacy of deaf rights, different laws, accessibility, etc. So that in the future the deaf youth fights for their rights and become future leaders.

What is Conference on UNCRPD? The Government ratified UNCRPD in India in October, 2007. The UNCRPD has 50 articles. These articles include accessibility, different laws, advocacy of human rights, the RPWD Bill, etc. These articles are discussed and taught to deaf leaders and then they advocate the different state govt. of India.

National Committee on The Rights of Person With Disability. The handicapped, the blind and the NAD deaf leaders participate in this conference and have a discussion. Through these discussion the deaf from NAD learn new things from each other and spread the word and can advocate for themselves.

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Location: Bangalore, Karnataka    Projects: Accessibility
Empowering the Deaf: Achieving Accessibility in the Workplace

“Think of diversity as a barcode, the deaf community is one thin line in that. Today, we are all here to discuss this small but important line,” said ARUN C RAO, Founder- ASLI.

Throughout the day, we heard some amazing stories, learned about the best practices in companies and experienced how technology can help create inclusive spaces.

Divyanand Raj showed us how we can make a difference by being ‘inclusive’ and ‘responsive’ in companies. Sangeetha Gera spoke about SGGSC India introducing 250 words in sign language that are specific to the world of finance. Tarun Sarwal demonstrated the SignAble app and how it helps the deaf and hearing communicate easily with each other.

 As Mohan Sundaram said, “Lack of communication has resulted in lack of opportunities. My dream is that one day we have a deaf CEO and the hearing make the effort to communicate with them.”

"They wanted me to sit at the back, but I went and took a seat right in front," said Rupmani Chhetri.

Whether it was Rupmani Chhetri’s determination to be a part of the UN or Priti Soni’s focus to create awareness about the challenges faced by the deaf, we were given a glimpse into how the deaf can do anything provided they are given a chance. A. S. Narayanan President, National Association of the Deaf was unfortunately ill and could not attend but was ably represented by the General Secretary of National Association of the Deaf Mr Saju Stephen.

Mr. Saju highlighted the issues faced by deaf across India in terms of access. “Access to education is where it starts, we don’t have any access to education” he said shocking the crowd. “When we are denied the basic rights of education is it any wonder that our other rights are trampled over and denied? It goes to show how important this conference is and thank you all for highlighting it.”

In Rashmi Vikram’s words, the journey to create accessible workplaces is possible only if all are willing to take a step.

Thank you, Nidhi Bhasin, Roy C Thomas, Rashmi Vikram, and ARUN C RAO, for starting the conference off today.

Thank you, Saju Stephen, Rupmani Chhetri, Priti Soni and Leon Dsouza for sharing those wonderful stories!

We thank you all for being a part of our one-day conference on 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗳 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲: 𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲! We hope this day has been as enlightening for you as it has been for us.

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Location: Indian Women's Press Corps, New Delhi    Projects: Awareness
World Health Day 2021 - Inclusion of Sign Language Let’s us Remember to Sign

National Association of the Deaf (NAD) organized the Press Conference for Press/Media Release – Need Emphasis on Sign Language in the World Hearing Report at Indian Women’s press Corps, 5 Windsor place, New Delhi-110001 from 3.30 pm to 4:30 pm on 02nd March 2021. Mr. A. S. Narayanan, President of NAD and Mr. Anuj Jain, Executive Director have explained to 20 media persons related to World Hearing Day – Inclusion of Sign Language. Some of the media persons have questions with NAD Team for answering them.

The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) is an international non-governmental organization representing and promoting approximately 70 million deaf people's human rights worldwide. The WFD is a federation of deaf organizations from 122 nations; its mission is to promote the human rights of deaf people and full, quality, and equal access to all spheres of life, including self-determination, sign language. NAD is a member of WFD.

World Hearing Day is celebrated on 3rd March every year. WHD is organised by World Hearing Forum (WHF), a forum under the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The theme for this year is: ‘Hearing care for all! Screen, Rehabilitate, and Communicate’. The World Report on Hearing will be launched on World Hearing Day. The Report has not highlighted sign language.

Following are the recommendations of the World Federation of the Deaf for the inclusion in the Report:

  • Early intervention: Access to sign language at birth is a fundamental human right.
  • Involvement of Deaf People in the policy-making related to the issues of deaf people.
  • Sign languages should be recognized and integrated into all services.
  • All deaf children and their families must have access to sign languages

Please find attached the recommendations, toolkit, and WFD position papers. WHO should emphasize on sign language as mentioned above.

Our further request to the Government of India is to :-

  • Recognize Indian Sign Language as one of the official languages.
  • Indian Sign Language should be included as one of the options of mother tongue in the Population Census 2021 and
  • Rehabilitation and Education of deaf children must n necessarily include Indian Sign Language.

We at NAD been advocating all of the above for a long time. We need the media persons’ support to strengthen our voices. They deputed a reporter/photographer/camera team yesterday and helped this invisible community get the visibility that it deserves and badly needs.

A.S.Narayanan's Message to all: (YouTube) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQPRSs-YwBI

Video-shoot of the Press Conference: (YouTube) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NV5Uf1CYXRQ 

Documents

Download Sr. Topic Description File Type / Size
1 ABP News World Hearing Day: World Hearing Day today, NAD writes to PM Modi to promote Sign Language. PDF / (0.12 MB)
2 Amrit India World Hearing Day PDF / (1.13 MB)
3 Gurgaon Today World Hearing Day PDF / (1.19 MB)
4 WFD Letter WFD Advocacy Points for Members and Partners on the occasion of World Hearing Day 2021 and the launch of the World Health Association 2021 Global Report on Hearing. PDF / (0.26 MB)
5 NAD Letter Letter from NAD to Shri. Narendra Modji, PM of India. PDF / (1.07 MB)
6 State Deaf Association State Deaf Association Letter WHD 2021 to CM Minister Health Minister Social Welfare DOCX / (0.02 MB)

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National Deaf Conference on Education, Sign Language Rights, Youth Leadership and Women Empowerment

Announcement about NAD + DEF's National Deaf Conference on Education, Sign Language Rights, Youth Leadership and Women Empowerment from 17th to 19th August, 2018.

For accomodation, please visit this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OTTiOTrbJs&feature=youtu.be

Documents

Download Sr. Topic Description File Type / Size
1 NAD-DEF Invitation Letter Invitation Letter to attend the Conference PDF / (0.70 MB)
2 NAD-DEF Registration Fee & Application Form Registration Fee & Application Form for attending the Conference PDF / (0.19 MB)

Location: Taj Diplomatic Enclave, New Delhi    Projects: Awareness
Global Appeal 2018

To End Stigma & Discrimination Against Persons Affected by Leprosy

Organized and Endorsed by: The Nippon Foundation (TNF) & Disabled People International (DPI)

The stage was set! People from around 10 countries are gathered in Delhi for the launch of the Global Appeal 2018 to End Stigma & Discrimination Against Persons Affected by Leprosy at Taj Diplomatic Enclave, New Delhi on 30th January 2018.

Image: Photo of the stage. Backdrop has logos of The Nippon Foundation and DPI. Says Global Appeal 2018 to End Stigma and Discrimination Against People Affected by Leprosy. Organized and Endorsed by The Nippon Foundation and DPI.

Mr. Anuj Jain, Joint Secretary of National Association of the Deaf, Mr. Shivoy Sharma (Interpreter of NAD), Mr. Michael Singha, Mr. Sachin Singh, Instructor of Indian Sign Language Research & Training Centre, & Ms. Manisha Sharma (Student of Indian Sign Language Research & Training Centre) participated.

Choir comprising of children from Tahirpur Leprosy Complex, Delhi performing the welcome song at the launch of the Global Appeal to End Stigma and Discrimation Against Persons Affeced by Leprosy.

“Happy to be back in India to launch the Global Appeal to End Stigma and Discrimination Against Persons Affected by Leprosy. Both DPI & @NipponZaidan are collaborating to give a voice to this cause”, said by Yohei Sasakawa, Chair of Nippon Foundation.

“The Global Appeal is a movement and DPI is proud and honoured to be part of this. All DPI Global Directors from across the world are here to express solidarity”, said by Javed Abidi, Global Chair, DPI. 

“I agree with the statement that we need to change the mind set. I am happy that I am a part of this great privilege and I am thankful to The Nippon Foundation”, said by Mr. Dinesh Trivedi.

“The issue with leprosy is not disease management but rather ending the stigma and discrimination. Each of us wants to be free and equal”, said by Kate Gilmore. 

“The Global Appeal is the growing energy between public health and human rights .We need to make sure that no person or community is left behind”, said by Dr Pem Namgyal. 

Global leaders from around the world endorse the Global Appeal to End Stigma and Discrimination Against Persons Affected by Leprosy. "Nothing about us without us" 
is the guiding principle of our activities to realize an inclusive society.

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Location: Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, Lodi Road, New Delhi    Projects: Accessibility
8th NCDEDP-MPHASIS Universal Design Awards

Conference on Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities The 8th NCDEDP-MPHASIS Universal Design Awards

National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People organized the Conference on Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities and the 8th NCDEDP-MPHASIS Universal Design Awards at Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, Lodi Road, New Delhi on 14th August, 2017. It was attended by about 600 disabled people (deaf, blind, & handicapped).

Dignitaries on the dais (From Left to Right): Javed Abidi, Honorary Director, NCPEDP; Srikanth Karra, Chief Human Resources Officer, Mphasis; Anand Mathus, Director General, Railway Board, Ministry of Railways, Government of India; Som Mittal, Trustee, NCPEDP; and Saurabh Chandra, Trustee, NCPEDP.

Panelists for Session on Accessibility of ICTs (left to right) - Shyam Krishna, Lead Developer, Hear2Read; Dr. Homiyar Mobedji, Country Representative, Benetech; Session Chair- Shilpi Kapoor, Founder, BarrierBreak; Keynote Speaker- Dr. Nirmita Narsimhan, Policy Director, Centre for Internet and Society (CIS); Gaurav Mittal, Founder, GingerMind Technologies Pvt. Ltd. and Aqil Chinoy, CEO, inspiralive.

Panelists for Session on Accessibility of Transport, Services and Aids & Appliances (left to right) - Balachandra Shetty, Senior Product Designer, QuickBooks Desktop, Intuit India; Yeshwant Holkar, Co-Founder, UMOJA Travels; Session Chair- Dr. Meenu Bhambhani, VP & Head- Corporate Social Responsibility; Vivek Mehta, Founder and CEO, DeafEasy.

Mr. Aqil Chinoy, CEO, inspiralive and Mr. Vivek Mehta, CTO, DeafEasy received the NCDEDP- MPHASIS Universal Design Awards handed over by Shri Anand Mathur, Director General, Railway Board, Ministry of Railways, Government of India.

Shri Anand Mathur, Director General, Railway Board, Ministry of Railways, Government of India addressed the audience during the Award Ceremony.

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Location: Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi    Projects: ISLRTC
National Conference on Empowering Deaf through Sign Language

Indian Sign Language Research & Training Centre, Ministry for Social Justice & Empowered organised the National Conference on Empowering Deaf through Sign Language between 20th to 21st March 2017 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

Inaugurated by Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot - Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment. Other reputed names include Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar - Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri N.S Kang - Secretary, DEPwD, Dr Kamlesh Kumar Pandey, Chief Commissioner of Disability and Shri Awanish Kumar Awasthi - Joint Secretary, DEPwD.

Indian Sign Language Research & Training Centre, Ministry for Social Justice & Empowerment has partnered with Sai Swayam Society, National Association of the Deaf, Deaf Enabled Foundation, All India Foundation of Deaf Women, Indian Sign Language Interpreters Association and Association of Sign Language Interpreters.

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Location: Chandigarh Club Ltd., Sector-1, Chandigarh     Projects: Awareness Deaf Women
International Women’s Day

March 8th marks the International women’s Day, which Celebrates the achievement of women in all spheres of life. On this occasion National Association of the Deaf is joining Hearing Impaired women from all over the Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh to Commemorate this day. A lot of efforts and progress have been registered at the National Associational of the Deaf towards achieving Evaluate Empowering deaf women and elevating them socially and culturally. Furthermore, National Associational of the Deaf on the Status of empowering deaf women currently holding its session at Chandigarh Club Ltd., Sector-1, Chandigarh.

National Association of the Deaf organized the International Women’s Day at the Auditorium of Chandigarh Club Ltd., Sector-1, Chandigarh on Saturday, 12th March 2016. This is a step taken for raising awareness and creating a positive space in society for disability and women’s issues. The deaf women are doubly disadvantaged first by disability and second with the added vulnerability of their gender. We saw a gathering of around 150 deaf women. We invited the Deaf Women Lecturer Smt. Geeta Sharma, Women Secretary, National Association of the Deaf, Chief Guest of Honour Shri Sanjay Tandon, President of Bharatiya Janta Party Chandigarh, Guest of Honour Shri Sanjay Arora, Chief Manager of GAIL, Chandigarh ,

The seminar started with the welcome note.Mrs.Rupinder Kaur and Anu Saigal, NAD’s Deaf Women Committees, Chandigarh.

Presented by Ms. Akanksha Sharma, Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, Regional Centre, Sector- 12, Chandigarh. Mrs. Geeta Sharma, Woman Secretary of NAD explained about the Histories of International Week of the Deaf. The Seminar was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Shri Sanjay Tondon (BJP) and Shri Sanjay Arora, Chief Manager, GAIL (Chandigarh). They said it is our duty to bring this injustice to an end as deaf women after faces double discrimination in social life. Shri Sanjay Tondon congratulated Mr. Yogesh Kumar, Public Relation Officer (NAD) for his achievements and praises him by saying that he never missed an opportunity to meet and greet higher officials. He added that the problem is very big for the deaf women to communicate with normal ones. They congratulated all the deaf women on this International Women’s Day.

Presentation by Shri Sanjeev Gulati, Project Advisor of Social Welfare, Chandigarh on ‘Emotional Intelligence’ where the ability to understand others and act wisely in human relations was discussed along with the functioning of our brain, that during a situation that triggers us, it tends to leave us with less space to think and act wisely. 

Presented by Mr. Vivek Mehta, Chief Technical Officer, deafeasy on “Explained about Digital Technology & Products for the Smart Deaf.”

These two topics had never been discussed before on the event of International Women’s Day. It was a refreshing and an eye opener to all the participants. We concluded the seminar by cutting the cake and celebrating the day.

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Location: Indian Social Institute, 10 Institutional Area, Lodi Road, New Delhi    Projects: Accessibility Awareness ISLRTC
6th National Deaf Conference 2016

We successfully for the 6th National Deaf Conference 2016 being held at Indian Social Institute, New Delhi between 20th to 21st February, 2016. We have many deaf lecturers signing to the 200 deaf delegates from all over the country participating in the 6th National Deaf Conference 2016. The conference started with the welcome note by Mr. A. S. Narayanan, Secretary of NAD.

  1. Mr. Alok Kejriwal, Managing Director, Archana Ampoules Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, “Deaf can do.”
  2. Mr. T. K. M. Sandeep, CEO, & Mr. Hari Hara Kumar, Director Education, Deaf Enabled Foundation, “Technology on Education for the Deaf”.
  3. Mr. Vivek Mehta, Chief Technical Officer, Mr. Charu Dutta & Mr. Gagan Arora, deafeasy, “Technology & Accessibility”
  4. Mr. Sharique Khan, Ms. Deepna Sonani& Mr. Adnan Khan, Qugo, “Chat with Animations”.
  5. Ms. Shilpi Kedia, Managing Director, BarrierBreak Technologies, Mumbai.
  6. Mrs. Preeti Saini, General Secretary, Association of Sign Language Interpreters, “ISL interpreter for Deaf Community in India”.
  7. Mr. Gyanendra Purohit, Founder, Anand Deaf School, “ISL Bill and Including Recognition Official Language”.
  8. Mr. Aqil Chinoy, Founder & CEO, Inspiralive, “Technology for the Deaf”.
  9. Mr. Rajesh Ketkar, Assistant Director, Ishara Foundation, “Accessibility on Video”.
  10. Mr. Sunil Sahasrabudhe, ISL Teacher for NIHH & Mr. Mohd.Shafique, ISL Teacher for NIHH. 11. Mr. Sachin Singh, Teacher, DSMNRU, “Technology & Accessibility”.
  11. Mr. K. C. Isaac, Founder & President, Kerala Association of the Deaf, “History of Deaf People” in India.
  12. Mr. A.S. Narayanan, Secretary, NAD, & Mr. Zorin Singha, President, NAD, “RPWD Bill, ISLRTC & Driving License for the Deaf”.

Mr. Anuj Jain, Joint Secretary of NAD The programs were a great success and a great source of encouragement and inspiration to all our 200 deaf  delegates from Delhi, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Kerala, Chennai, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttrakhand, Uttar Pradesh,  and other parts of India participated in the Conference. It has benefited a lot for deaf delegates learning about 13 deaf lecturers’s presentations. They are very impressed by our Conference.

Videos

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Location: USI Residency, New Delhi    Projects: Deaf Youth
3rd National Convention for Youth with Disabilities

National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) organized National Convention for Youth with Disabilities 2015 in USI Residency, New Delhi

Dr. Shanti Auluck, Founder & Director of Muskaan; Nidhi Goyal; A. S. Narayanan, Secretary, National Association of the Deaf; Abdul Mabood, Founder, Snehi; and Javed Abidi, Honorary Director of NCPEDP during a session at the National Convention for Youth with Disabilities.

A very successful 3rd National Convention for Youth with Disabilities comes to an end. It hosted 75 brightest young girls and boys with disabilities, studying in the topmost colleges and universities of India.

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Location: Chandigarh Club Ltd., Chandigarh    Projects: Deaf Women
International Women’s Day

We organized the International Women's Day at the Auditorium of Chandigarh Club Ltd., Sector-1, Chandigarh on Saturday, 21st March 2015. This is a step taken for raising awareness and creating a positive space in society for disability and women's issues. The deaf women are doubly disadvantaged first by disability and second with the added vulnerability of their gender. We saw a gathering of around 75 deaf women. We invited the Deaf Women Lecturer Smt. Geeta Sharma, Women Secretary, National Association of the Deaf, Chief Guest of Honour Sh. Sanjay Tandon, President of Bharatiya Janta Party Chandigarh, Guest of Honour Smt. Heera Negi, Ex-Senior Deputy Mayor Chandigarh, Guest of Honour Shri Devi Singh, Zila President of Bharatiya Janta Party, Chandigarh, Chief Guest of Honour Sh. Sanjay Tandon, President of Bharatiya Janta Party Chandigarh, Guest of Honour Smt. Heera Negi, Ex-Senior Deputy Mayor Chandigarh, Guest of Honour Shri Devi Singh, Zila President of Bharatiya Janta Party Chandigarh and guest of Honour Shri Jasjeet Singh, Director of Mansukh, Investment & Trading Solutions Chandigarh.

The seminar started with the welcome note by Mrs. Reena Jain, NAD's North India Deaf Woman Committee and performed the inspiration game about fist signing. Mrs. Geeta Sharma, Woman Secretary of NAD explained about the problems of ISLRTC merging with NIHH and what is the benefit of ISLRTC. Chief Guest of Honour Sh. Sanjay Tandon, President of Bharatiya Janta Party Chandigarh, Guest of Honour Smt. Heera Negi, Ex-Senior Deputy Mayor Chandigarh, Guest of Honour Shri Devi Singh, Zila President of Bharatiya Janta Party, Chandigarh spoke the praise for deaf women wonderfully work well for themselves which they could not see deaf women who are brave before. Guest of Honour Prof (Dr.) Vikas Singh (Campus Director) Chandigarh Group of College talked about domestic violence etc.

The last session was taken by Ms. Nirupama Kaul, Co-Worker of NAD's North India Deaf Woman on "Emotional Intelligence" where the ability to understand others and act wisely in human relations was discussed along with the functioning of our brain, that during a situation that triggers us, it tends to leave us with less space to think and act wisely.

These two topics had never been discussed before on the event of International Women's Day. It was a refreshing and an eye opener to all the participants. We concluded the seminar by cutting the cake and celebrating the day.

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Location: Action for Ability Development and Inclusion (AADI), New Delhi    Projects: ISLRTC
National Deaf Conference on Demand Indian Sign Language & Research Training Centre, Autonomy

National Association of the Deaf organized Nation Deaf Conference to come up with strategies for demanding the autonomy of Indian Sign Language Research & Training Centre. This was held on 15th March, 2015 in Action for Ability Development and Inclusion (AADI), 2, Balbir Saxena Marg, Hauz Khas, New Delhi

Around 85 deaf participants came from all over India which included national deaf bodies like Mr. Zorin Singha (President of NAD), Mr. A. S. Narayanan (Secretary of NAD), Mr. Onkar Sharma (General Secretary of All India Federation of the Deaf), Mrs. Uma Kapoor (General Secretary of All India Foundation of Women Deaf), Mr. T. K. M. Sandeep (CEO of Deaf Enabled Foundation), Mr. Aqil (India Deaf Society), Mr. Sunil Sahasrabudhe (ISL Teacher), Mr. Sujit Sahasrabudhe ( ISL Researcher), Mr. Sibaji Panda (Lecturer of Uclan University UK), Dr. Madan Vasishta (PhD of Gallaudet University USA) & Dr. Surinder Randhawa (PhD & Professor of BAASLS). It was unanimous decision to demand for the autonomy of ISLRTC.

On 16th March 2015, We met with three Ministers:

  1. Shri Arun Jaitley, Hon’ble Finance Minister
  2. Shri Nitin Gadkhari, Hon’ble Minister for Road and Transport
  3. Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Hon’ble Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment

We made them aware our strong disagreement with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s decision to merge ISLRTC with NIHH. We asked them for their support to make ISLRTC a standalone, autonomous centre under the Ministry.

We are writing this to seek your support in preventing a great injustice towards 10 million deaf citizens of India. Majority of our deaf countrymen use Indian Sign Language (ISL) as their primary mode of communication. ISL is an integral part of the lives of our deaf countrymen an women; it does more than transmit idea and encourage self-expression, it is grounded in their culture and their communities.  Whereas in other countries, government are actively encouraging research in their respective singed languages, including prominent members of the sign language community in the process as well as providing support for interpreter training and access to higher education, our Indian government continues to suppress the use of ISL.

This is also to bring to your kind notice that it was because of the advocacy led by National Association of the Deaf that the Indian Sign Language Research & Training Centre was put in the 11th Five Year Plan. NAD has from the beginning, demanded that this Institute should be an independent autonomous body. This also announced establishment of such a Centre in his Budget Speech for 2010-11.

However, the MSJE ignored the input from Deaf Community and leaders and asked IGNOU to take over the project, which resulted in years of delays in implementing all the work proposed and approved by the governing and advisory committees. Additional transgressions include IGNOU’s liberal use of project funds despite not contributing to the project as well as reneging on their promise to provide land for buildings. Though there was much relief when MSJE finally took the ISLRTC out of IGNOU in 2013 in promise of establishing it as an autonomous body, that relief would be short-lived.

After dragging its feet for over 18 months, the Ministry is taking a step that is proving to be worse than putting ISLRTC under IGNOU. It has decided to put the project under Ali Yavar Jung of the National Institute of Hearing Handicapped (NIHH) in New Delhi. On the surface it sounds logical, however, given the history of NIHH, the move is analogous to asking a wolf to raise a lamb.

NIHH is strongly rooted in oral philosophy and all it has little more for ISL during its 32 years of existence than providing few ISL classes in few cities. We are sure that the entire budget allocated for developing ISL interpreters, training teachers in bilingual education of deaf children and involvement of Deaf people in making decision on their education and rehabilitation will be used in other areas.

This is unacceptable and should not be condoned. The project goals and outputs that were approved in 2007 by 11th Five Year Plan have yet to be actualized and it is imperative that the process involves the right people. For example, When a centre to support a spoken language – say Sindhi – is established, it is NOT managed by people who are not Sindhi themselves or do not speak Sindhi. ISLRTC must be managed by people who use ISL and support it.

Later in the day on 16th March, We held a press conference emphasizing the same demand at Indian Women’s press Corp. (Newspapers clipping enclosed).

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Location: Indian Social Institute, New Delhi    Projects: Deaf Women
International Women’s Day

We organized the International Women’s Day at the Auditorium of Indian Social Institute on Sunday, 8th March 2015. This is a step taken for raising awareness and creating a positive space in society for disability and women’s issues. The deaf women are doubly disadvantaged first by disability and second with the added vulnerability of their gender. We are a gathering of around 75 deaf women.

The seminar started with the welcome note by Mrs. Manta Nagpal, NAD’s North India Deaf Woman Committee. The first session was taken by Mrs. Nidhi Singha, NAD’s North India Deaf Woman Committee, performed the inspiration game about fist signing. Deaf women pointed out full sentences one by one. Ms. Rupmani Chhetri, Co-Worker of NAD’s North India Deaf Woman gave the presentation on International Women’s Day’ and the story of Mother Teresa.

The next session was taken by Mrs. Ritu Panda, Member of NAD where she related the issues with the existing laws, international treaties and organizations that can be a valuable tool. She explained the issues while she went to the World Federation of the Deaf Regional for South Asia Meeting in Mauritius last past months ago.

These three topics had never been discussed before on the event of International Women’s Day. It was a refreshing and an eye opener to all the participants. We concluded the seminar by cutting the cake and celebrating the day.

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Location: USI Residency, New Delhi    Projects: Deaf Youth
2nd National Convention for Youth with Disabilities

National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) organized 2ndNational Convention for Youth with Disabilities in USI Residency, New Delhi on 25th & 26thMarch, 2014.

The objective of the Convention is to reach out to young disabled people and expose them to the social sector movement of India, including disability and other allied fields. This would help us to identify and inspire the next generation leadership of not just the Indian disability sector but also those who could be agents of change in other fields. Mr. Anuj Jain, Joint Secretary of N.A.D. was requested to speak at one of the sessions on ‘Disability Movement in India’. He talked about the struggles of the Indian Deaf community of 18 million. Anuj Jain has been working with and for the deaf and hard of hearing sector for over 25 years. He is the Joint Secretary of National Association of the Deaf, the only truly national and grassroots Disabled People's Organisation that fights for the rights of deaf people in India. He has been a part of many developments of the Indian Deaf community but most recently is the accessible telecast of Republic Day Parade 2014 via ISL interpreter, & the Rights of Persons with Disabilities among others. He has demanded Social Welfare Dept., Delhi Govt to vacate the deaf school which they continue its use space for the deaf school was illegal. He also demanded Delhi Govt for providing the driving license for the deaf. He was one of the few selected participants to the Grassroots International Advocacy Leadership Training by Gallaudet University, Washington D.C. He is currently involved in a Sign Language Project where an introduction course on Indian Sign Language is being developed with Delhi University and Delhi Police for cadets in training. He participated in the Chief Electoral Officer Meeting with AADI, Muskaan and many other NGOs regarding accessible for polling stations including polling booths for Blind People, Orthopaedic People, Deaf People and Lesprosy People.

The Convention, a second of its kind,  was a 2 day affair which included addresses and interactive sessions with well known voices of the social sector (including social entrepreneurs), senior leaders from the corporate world, and bureaucrats as well as politicians.

They had participation from the top universities, colleges, and other educational institutions of the country including 6 Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. This included the IITs, IIMs, other management, media and law colleges.

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Location: Indian Women’s Press Corps, New Delhi    Projects: RPWD
An Urgent Appeal: Help Save the Disability Rights Bill!!

A press conference was held to illuminate on the need to save the Disability Rights Bill. Below is a copy of the Press Release that went out to the media.

We, the disabled people, families, parents of people with disability, professionals, friends, volunteers and all significant others would wish to draw your attention to a matter that concerns 70 million Indians.

We believe it concerns many more. If any of you have had a fractured leg in a cast or elderly parents, who can’t hear or see very well or have dementia it concerns you as well.

In 2007, India signed and ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. As a consequence of ratification India was to modify her domestic laws to bring them in consonance with the Convention.

6 years later where do we stand?? -  Four years of effort that went into the drafting of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, approved by the Cabinet on 12th December, has gone down the drain with Parliament being adjourned sine die last week. Had the Parliament been in session for 2 more days (as per its own schedule), the Bill would have at least got tabled, if not passed!

Disabled rights activists across the country are deeply anguished over the manner in which the political class has treated them, as for them the 70 million Indians with disabilities are simply not a vote bank!

To make things worse, the   huge fear is that with the General Elections looming large over the horizon, the Parliament may not be re-convened early next year for any legislative business. If that happens, all our efforts of more than 4 years will go down the drain and the Disability Rights Bill will get consigned to the dustbin of history.

However, IF, as with the Lokpal Bill, the Congress and the Opposition come together and show some political will, the Parliament can be reconvened in January (even for a single day!) and the Disability Rights Bill can be tabled and perhaps even be passed.

The Disabilities Bill is political. It will ensure rights for persons with disabilities instead of charity.

All that is needed is for the Parliament to be convened even for a day so that the Bill can be tabled and secured.

This is an appeal to every citizen of this country to show your solidarity and extend your support.

Join us to raise awareness and create a political will that will ensure a legislative guarantee for the Rights of People with Disability to be protected.

As a beginning, we are holding a Press Conference in Delhi on the 27th of December and a Candle Light Vigil on the eve of New Year.

Lend your hand in mobilising media national /local, mobilising a national/local political will through any/all of the following - rallies, candle light vigils, press conferences, television shows, articles in newspapers, etc.

Do what you can! Ensure that the Disability Rights Bill gets converted to a Disability Bill.

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Location: Goa    Projects: ISLRTC
Sign6 International Conference of Sign Language Users

Mr. A.S. Narayanan, Secretary, Mrs. Geeta Sharma, Women Sectretary, Mr. Anuj Jain, Project Director and Ms. Angel Singha, Interpreter participated in Sign6, International Conference of Sign Language Users in Goa from 7th to 9th February 2013. This conference focuses on research on sign languages and deaf studies and a global scope is important for capacity building because Deaf communities are quite small in number in many countries.

Mr. Narayanan was one of three plenary presenters. He talked on the genesis of Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre. The Indian Deaf community fought hard to get ISLRTC on the 11th Five Year Plan Document. There had been so many rallies, protests and meetings to bring this paper to life. And, on 4th October 2011, we had laid its foundation stone in IGNOU. This shows that slowly government is recognising Indian Sign Language and that day isn’t far when ISL would be one of the official languages of India.

There were several sessions like sign language and linguistics, community, culture and deaf education and the status of the same in South Asia. The mode of communication throughout was International Sign Language and Indian Sign Language. We received exposure on the grammatical functions of the A-handshape & the I-handshape in Korean Sign Language, age-related sociolinguistic variation in sign languages with particular reference to Nepali Sign Language, rethinking established concepts in Deaf Studies and many more. There were several critical issues discussed like work on sign language endangerment with UNESCO and how to put deaf women’s needs in every policy especially violence against women.

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Location: New Delhi    Projects: Deaf Youth
National Convention for Youth with Disabilities

National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) organised a National Convention for Youth with Disabilities in New Delhi on 7th & 8th February, 2013.

The objective of the Convention is to reach out to young disabled people and expose them to the social sector movement of India, including disability and other allied fields. This would help us to identify and inspire the next generation leadership of not just the Indian disability sector but also those who could be agents of change in other fields. Mr. Zorin Singha, President of N.A.D. was requested to speak at one of the sessions on ‘Disability Movement in India’. He talked about the struggles of the Indian Deaf community of 18 million. He shared his testimonials and how the Deaf community is breaking the barriers slowly and steadily.

The Convention, a first of its kind,  was a 2 day affair which included addresses and interactive sessions with well known voices of the social sector (including social entrepreneurs), senior leaders from the corporate world, and bureaucrats as well as politicians.

They had participation from the top universities, colleges, and other educational institutions of the country including 6 Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. This included the IITs, IIMs, other management, media and law colleges.

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Location: INDIRA HOLIDAY HOME, SECTOR – 24B, CHANDIGARH    Projects: Awareness
5TH NATIONAL DEAF CONFERENCE

The 5th National Deaf Conference organised by National Association of the Deaf saw participation of more that 150 deaf adults who came from all over the country. The two-day conference entailed presentations by Dr. MadanVasisht (Associate Professor, Department of Administration and Supervision, Gallaudet University, Washington DC, USA), Mr. Sibaji Panda (Professor of B.A. Applied Sign Language Studies at IGNOU, Delhi & Lecturer, International Institute for Sign Languages and Deaf Studies, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK), Mr. Zorin Singha (President) and Mr. A.S. Narayanan (General Secretary) respectively, of National Association of the Deaf.

Dr. Vasisht explained the culture of the deaf community and domestic violence in the deaf community. Deaf are those individuals who, in addition to not hearing, are members of the deaf community, subscribing to the unique cultural norms, values and traditions of that group. This community usually uses Indian Sign Language (ISL) as their first language. Their primary language is ISL, which has its own rules of grammar and syntax. Deaf become more susceptible to victimisation because of their inability to communicate with law enforcement, medical professionals, etc., helplessness and the tradition of secrecy within the culture/protection of perpetrators who are members of the community.

Dr. Madan Vasisht talked about NAD and their work that is getting recognition in every aspect of the deaf world. He insisted that more deaf individuals should join NAD and support their work and also, help them to create a greater base of membership.

Mr. Sibaji Panda explained the theme “Diversity and Unity”, how each and every individual is different yet united by a particular cause or a feeling of oneness. There are diverse modes of communication within the deaf community ranging from Sign Language to Oralism to Total Communication. He further explained if a person focuses on the differences rather than similarities, it becomes hard to progress. Unity becomes a tricky thing. We need to learn to be united in diversity.

Mr. Sibaji Panda encouraged our deaf youth to try to be an agent of change. There are problems everywhere and most may not know how to solve it. There is one process to solving a problem, no matter if it’s big or small. It is a slow process to make “change” happen, it is simple though not easy and it requires “strategy execution”. We need to start by first, identifying the issue then pinpointing the actual problem. After determining what can be done, we have to create a team with action plan which would help us to monitor accountability and then, make an impact. The key is to overcome impediments and bypass “NO’s”. He concluded with one of the popular quotes that “You don’t have to be great to get started but you have to get started to be great.”

Mr. Zorin Singha and Mr. A. S. Narayanan shared their report on the developments, achievements and ongoing process being done by NAD. They shared the success of the Census of India 2011 that included the question on disability and also, the inauguration of Indian Sign Language and Training Centre (ISLRTC). Mr. Anuj Jain explained the Unity/Disunity powerpoint presentation to all deaf delegates. It helps them to have more unity between their deaf associations with different deaf associations in the parts of India.

After the Conference, most of the deaf delegates rode on the double bus from CITCO sponsoring the free of cost for double bus and went on tour to the city of Chandigarh and Rock Garden and Sukhana Lake, they had a good time and fun much for enjoying on tour to Chandigarh. We specially thank CITCO sponsoring us.

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Location: IGNOU, Maidan Garhi, Delhi    Projects: ISLRTC
India’s First Indian Sign Language Research & Training Center (ISLRTC)

Shri Mukul Wasnik, Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment & Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal here today inaugurated the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) at the IGNOU Campus. Shri Kapil Sibal, Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri K.M. Acharya, Secretary (SJ&E), Smt Vibha Puri Das, Secretary (HRD), Professor V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor, IGNOU, Prof P.R. Ramanujam, Pro Vice Chancellor, IGNOU, Prof Madan Vasishta, Honorary Director, ISLRTC, Shri Ramesh Warlyani, Vice Chairman, National Council for Promotion of Sindhi Language (NCPSL), Mr. A. S. Narayanan, Secretary of National Association of the Deaf and other dignitaries were present on the occasion at IGNOU, Maidan Garhi, Delhi on 4th October, 2011.

Dr. Madan Vasishta, Honorary Director of ISLRTC is very pleased to have opening the ISLRTC this year. He is most thankful for (SJ&E) who approved the opening the ISLRTC. He has a lot of experiences for Sign Languages in different countries of the World.

Mr. A. S. Narayanan, Secretary of NAD expressed his thankfulness to Mr. Shri Mukul Wasnik, Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment & Shri K.M. Acharya, Secretary (SJ&E) who approved our waiting for 5 years of the opening of the ISLRTC. He said the benefits of ISLRTC for deaf teachers, hearing interpreters, deaf parents & deaf students to learn the profession of Indian Sign Language. He said he and his people came a dream true that ISLRTC is opening at IGNOU, Maidan Garhi, Delhi today. He specially thanked to all deaf people who had been sacrificing to come the Rally and the Protest for demanding to Govt. of SJE provide the ISLRTC for 5 years.

Shri Wasnik said that ISLRTC is the realization of the long cherished dream of the deaf community in India. It is an exclusive education project for teaching, learning, training and capacity building for the vast deaf population. It will be a full time teaching and training center for Indian Sign Language combined with distance teaching/learning opportunities. This research centre is the first of its kind in India with centres attached to IGNOU. There will be zonal/regional centers in different geographic regions of the country. The center would consist of short term, medium and full-fledged programmes for both the un-trained and experienced teachers of the deaf schools.

Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment said that in India, as per 2001 census, the population with hearing impairment was over 12.62 Lakhs and as per 58th round of NSSO the hearing impaired population was 30.62 Lakhs. A significant number of deaf persons essentially depend on Sign Language for communication; hence this is an historic occasion, depicting the commitment of the Government to fulfill the needs of the deaf community in India. The inclusion of deaf people in the larger development activity of the country depends significantly on promotion of Sign Language, Shri Mukul Wasnik said. He further said that Sign Language in India is in nascent stage and evolving. Even the reach of it also by far is limited to some pockets of the country. Therefore, we need to think innovatively to reach out to the people who are in need. One such activity could be having Sign Language Clubs. In USA, there is a concept of Sign Language Clubs. These clubs are attached to colleges and universities. Shri Wasnik requested the Director, ISLRTC, to explore the possibilities of having such clubs in India. European Sign Language Centre through the web based computer tool www.spreadthesign.com created a web of itself in 10 European countries.

The Minister requested the Director to explore the possibility of creating a web of ISLRTC in our States and UT’s. Information and Communication Technology should be used to its maximum advantage in reaching out to the deaf people, Shri Mukul Wasnik said.

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Location: Ecumenical Christian Centre,Bengaluru (Karnataka)    Projects: Awareness
The 4th National Deaf Conference organized by NAD

The 4th National Deaf Conference was organized by The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) at the Ecumenical Christian Centre,Bengaluru (Karnataka) on the 4th and 5th of June 2011.

The guests for the occasion were Shri Zorin Singha, the President of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD); Shri A.S. Narayanan, General Secretary of NAD and Shri T.K.M. Sandeep, Treasurer of National Association of the Deaf & Chief Executive of Deaf Enabled Foundation. Shri Singha, Shri Narayanan & Shri Sandeep share spoke about background of National Deaf Conference.

About 120 Deaf persons and Deaf leaders from 12 states of India participated in the conference and made it a great success.

Presentations were made by Shri Narayanan, Shri Singha, Shri Sandeep and Shri Anuj Jain. The presentations were on the various activities of the NAD which includes work related to Indian Sign Language Research and Training Institute, Deaf Education In India, New Disabilities Act 2010 in India, NAD Youth Section, International Deaf Organisation & Sign’n’Talk. The Deaf participants also made recommendations on how to handle problems concerning the Deaf in the Action Plan for 12th Five Year Plan (2012-2017).

The Conference instilled a lot of confidence in all the participants as they were better informed on the opportunities available for the Deaf and many of them stated that they would spread this information about the Rights of the Deaf many more people. They expressed their happiness at having gained so much through this conference.

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Location: Indian Institute of Management, Dehradun (Uttarkhand)    Projects: Accessibility ISLRTC RPWD
3rd National Deaf Conference organized by NAD & Deaf Welfare Association

The 3rd National Deaf Conference was jointly organized by The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) & Deaf Welfare Association (DWA) at the Indian Institute of Management, Dehradun (Uttarkhand) on the 13th and 14th of June 2010.

The Chief Guest for the occasion was Shri. Matbar Singh Kandar, who is the Minister of Social Welfare from Uttarakhand. The other prominent persons present there included the Mayor Shr Vinod Chamoli; Shri. Zorin Singha, the President of National Association of the Deaf (NAD); Shri A.S. Narayanan, General Secretary of NAD and Shri Umesh Grover, General Secretary of Deaf Welfare Association. The conference was inaugurated by the Guest of Honour Shri. Matbar Singh Kandar.

Many Deaf leaders and Deaf persons from across the country participated in the conference to make it a big success. .A total of 125 deaf people and leaders attended the conferece.

Shri. A. S. Narayanan, General Secretary of NAD shared about the background of the Sign Language Institute which has been approved by the Finance Minister, Shri. Pranab Mukherjee. This has been included in the 11th Five Year Plan after the Deaf community had done several demonstrations and conducted strike on four occasions at various places in New Delhi.

Shri. Zorin Singha, the President of National Association of the Deaf (NAD), shared about the paper on Social Justice and Empowerment (SJE) drafted by the Deaf leaders and made an appeal to the Minister to remove the Persons with Disabilities Act and force the SJE to draft and pass a new law instead. There have been many recommendations to get a new law since there are many problem areas in the PWD Act. It is insufficient in dealing with the problems of the disabled appropriately.

Shri. T.K.M. Sandeep, Treasurer of NAD made a presentation on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and made comparisons with the current PWD Act.

The Conference instilled a lot of confidence in all the participants as they were better informed on the opportunities available for the Deaf and many of them stated that they would spread this information on Deaf Rights to many more people. They expressed their happiness at having gained so much through this conference.

This is to inform you that a Seminar on DEAF RIGHTS under United Nations Convention of Rights for People with Disabilities (UNCRPD) was organized by National Association of the Deaf, Delhi (INDIA) from 26th and 27th June, 2010 in Vyattla, Ernakulam, district in Kerala State, South India for first time. The NAD invited to two deaf leaders came from each district of Kerala.They were interested to learn things from us through India Sign Language. Shri A.S.Narayanan, Secretary, National Association of the Deaf, Delhi made presentation to the deaf participants about UNCRPD. He explained that the India Government has already ratified UNCRPD on 1st OCT, 2007. He also gave examples to them about PWD Act 1995. This disability law the India Government already has, but still not have implemented yet. There has been no benefits for the deaf through PWD ACT since its passage in 1995. It is wonderful to good news from India Govt announced about pasting a New Disability Law in the month of April this year. We must give our Hearty congratulation to Mr. Mukul Wasnik, Minister for Social Justice and empowerment, Government of India, for paving the way to opening the New Disability Law.

Finally, Good News! After a long time, the need to establish an India Sign Language Research and Training Institute is being addressed. Mr.Pranab Mukherjee, Finance Minister announced for India Sign Language last month of Feb 26th, 2010.India Sign Language Institute is established very soon! We need you in support and unity in work for the deaf in India.

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Location: Warangal, Andhra Pradesh    Projects: Awareness
2ND NATIONAL DEAF CONFERENCE

On 25th and 26th of April’09. The 2nd national deaf conference was held at Warangal. The conference was inaugurated by Mr. Zorin Singha, President of National Association of the Deaf and Mr. A.S.Narayanan, General Secretary of NAD , Mr. Arun C.Rao, President of ASLI by lighting the lamp. People from different parts of India participated in a large scale and made the programme a grand success. There were nine interpreters who attended this conference.

Mr. A.S.Narayanan explained about the laws and rights which are present to help the deaf to live their livelihood. He also talked about NAD and stressed on the fact that all associations coming together for a cause constitute NAD. He mentioned about the job crises among the deaf community and how discrimination was done between deaf and partially deaf candidates.

Mr. Zorin Singha spoke about the lack of a systematic education system in India for the deaf people. Here the deaf are hardworking and sincere but still they don’t have job opportunities. In foreign countries they have all the provisions available for the deaf are far cry from the provisions available in our country. In India things haven’t changed much since independence. He also explained about the struggles which he has faced in his life as a deaf. He spoke about how it was time for the deaf to rise up to the situation and become aware of their rights and claim them from the Govt. He wants the deaf to take charge of their own rights as the past is gone and the future is yet to come. Alone a person can’t do anything but millions can do many things.

Mr. Arun. C. Rao explained about a new world of opportunity for the interpreters. Interpreters should be experienced in their profession. He talked about WASLI and ASLI and how to become a member of them. There is a huge necessity for more interpreters. The deaf must have interpreters as this would help break the communication barrier between the normal and the deaf. Sign language should be taught in all normal schools as a part of their syllabus and how it is vital for interpreters to hail from all fields.

In the end it was a very enlightening conference as most of the participants had an opportunity to clarify their doubts and meet more people from all walks of life.

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Location: Pokhara (Nepal)    Projects: General
20th World Federation of the Deaf, 2008

A.S.Narayanan, Secretary, National Association of the Deaf, India , Sandeep TKM Treasurer of NAD, Anuj Jain , Secretary , The Deaf Way Foundation, Delhi (India), Umesh Grover, General Secretary, Uttarkhand Deaf Welfare Association, (UA). India. We attended for 20th WFD RSA/P Representatives meeting in Pokhara on December 10th to 12th, 2008 organised by National Federation of the Deaf and Hard of hearing (NFDH) for first time. We were happy and interested to learn our lesson from there program.

The 20th World Federation of the Deaf Regional Secretariat in Asia/Pacific Representative Meeting in Pokhara (Nepal). The Meeting had accepted the proposal proposed by NFDH. NFDH is fortunate with the successful WFD RSA/P approval to organize such a high level international meeting for the interest of deaf people in Nepal and the Asia Pacific Region. It will be the great opportunity to share and exchange the experience of 20 Asia Pacific countries, their delegates, observers and representatives. We hope with the presence of WFD, President Mr.Markku Jokinen and WFD RSA/P Mr. Ichiro Miyamoto, the meeting will be more charming.

OBJECTIVES:

The objectives of the meeting are to discuss about the below mentioned Issues:

  • The Implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Person with Disabilities (UNCRPD)
  • The Global Education Pre-Planning Project on the Human Rights of Deaf People.
  • The issue proposed by Oceanian Countries.
  • The establishment of the WFD RSA/P Youth Section
  • The Nippon Sign Language Project
  • The APCD Phase II project

PARTICIPANTS :

The participants will be from 20 Asia Pacific countries of WFD Regional Secretariat. There will be 2 delages from each member country. Along with this there will be participation of Observers, Interpreters and Deaf Youth. On 11th December there will be Meeting of Interpreters in the same hotel separately. From this perspective the conference will be very effective for the interpreters as well. Along with delegates, observers, interpreters and youth WFD, President Mr. Markku jokinen and WFD RSA/P , Director, Mr.Ichiro Miyamoto will attend the meeting. The name of participant countries are as follows :

  1. INDIA
  2. JAPAN
  3. KOREA
  4. MACAU
  5. NEW ZEALAND
  6. SINGAPORE
  7. SRI LANKA
  8. NEPAL

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Location: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh    Projects: Deaf Women
1st National Deaf Women's Empowerment Seminar 2008

National Association of the Deaf organised first National Deaf Women's empowerment seminar at AICUF Ashram, Shahpura on Sunday from 9.30 am to 5.00 pm Around 172 women deaf participants of 16 states of the country took part in the programme.

The Special guest Shashi Nayak, social worker was inaugurated the seminar Arun . C. Rao, President of Association of Sign Language Interpreter. A.S. Narayanan, General Secretary of National Association of the Deaf, Saju Stephen, Joint Secretary, National Association of the Deaf, TKM Sandeep, Treasurer, National Association of the Deaf gave speech about the empowering to Deaf Women. Ms. Setina English and Seshane from USA gave a presentation about Deaf Empowerment.

Women in India was mostly feeling intimidated due to financial dependence and over bearing family. The reason for deaf women being unempowered is fundamentally due to poor education for the deaf community.

Deaf men are ill-equipped to cope with the stress of the modern life style with poor education and poorly paying jobs.

Financial insecurity, lack of understanding of mores and laws of society and no insulation in a sorry state of affairs for deaf women acros the country. The National Deaf Women's Empowerment Seminar is the first attempt to address the issues and problems faced by deaf women on a national scale.

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Location: Delhi    Projects: Awareness
National Deaf Conference 2008

The first National deaf conference was held on 26-27th April 2008. The NAD invited delegates from all deaf organisations all over the country. The response was overwhelming. A huge number of delegates from 14 states swamped the convention center and an amazing synergy developed.

Deaf leaders from across India coming together to discuss advocacy and disability issues across the board was unprecedented. Various strategies for approaching the govt and tackling the problems faced by deaf persons were discussed. Notable speakers at the event included Mr Colin Gonsalves Supreme court advocate, Justice Zac Yacoob from the Constitutional Court of South Africa, Dr. Surinder Randhawa among others.

The 260 delegates were each given a package of material developed by the NAD for understanding legal process and the rights under law.

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