Activities : Events

Events & Programme

The Indian Sign Language (ISL) version of Events.

Different programs and events. Nearly 200 people participated in the events. Its either a one day event of for two days.

There have been conferences for Deaf Youth. Deaf Women Empowerment Seminars have happened. International women’s day had presentations on laws, problems faced by deaf women like rape, trainings etc.

International Week of the Deeaf, awareness march, making public aware about sign language, distribution of literature has been done. In shopping malls, sign language plays, teaching alphabets and basic ISL, distribution of literature has happened.

World Disability Day, 3rd December, celebrated at India Gate. Disabled people gathered there. There were people from all disabilities including the deaf in large numbers. The aim of World Disability Day is to advocate for our rights like RPWD bill, ISLRTC etc.

Related Projects

Loading. Please wait.

Recommendations for adding ISL to the National Curricular Framework 2023

Please see two documents and do the needful.

Documents

Download Sr. Topic Description File Type / Size
1 Deaf association letter to Government for NCF 2023 The letter that Deaf Association has to copy and paste on their letterhead. DOCX / (0.01 MB)
2 Recommendation Letter for NCF 2023 Please attach the Recommendation Letter to your Association's Letter PDF / (0.18 MB)

Location: New Delhi    Projects: Awareness
NAD Election 2022

Documents

Download Sr. Topic Description File Type / Size
1 List of Eligable Candidates for Election 2022 List of Eligable Candidates for Election 2022 JPG / (0.29 MB)
2 Withdrawal Form Withdrawal form for the candidates wishing to withdraw from the Election. JPG / (0.13 MB)

Location: New Delhi    Projects: Awareness
Remembering Late Shri Javed Abidi (11-06-1965 - 04-03-2018)

One of the world's fiercest, most passionate advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 4th, 2018.

Javed Abidi was the Honorary Director of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment Disabled People; and Global Chair of Disabled People's International. As we struggle to come to terms with the huge loss and void created by his sudden demise, let's also celebrate his life and remember him for the invaluable and unparalleled contribution that touched made to millions and millions of people with disabilities around the country and outside.

The starting days of the formation of Disability Rights Group (DRG).

Mr. AS Narayanan, President (NAD) talked about Javed Abidi’s guidance and how he was such great support to the deaf community, and teaching and leading in the space of advocacy.

There were several video messages played sent by the people who couldn’t be present at the event, among those was one from Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Hon’ble Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and tribute video by BRUT India on Mr. Javed Abidi life journey.

Above all, let us pledge to carry on his legacy. And that would perhaps be the best tribute we can pay to such an exceptional soul.

Photo Gallery

Location: New Delhi, India    Projects: Awareness
World Disability Day 2019

Ref. No. NAD/WDD-Circular/2019                                                     Date:- 22nd November 2019

INVITATION LETTER

Dear Friends, Members & Non-Members,

Greetings from National Association of the Deaf! We hope this letter finds you in good health with your work progressing well.

N.A.D. is an organisation that is working to empower Deaf and Hard of Hearing people across India; one that is of the deaf, by the deaf and for the deaf. N.A.D. hopes to breathe new life into the deaf movement and empower deaf people across the country to stand up and claim the rights that they are entitled to. N.A.D. is a non- governmental, not for profit, organisation registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860, no. s/50137/2004. It is a voluntary organisation and all the work that it carries out it down to the dedication and hard work of its members and the executive board. N.A.D relies on the support it receives not only from its members, but also society at large.

We are very glad to inform you that we are organising the World Disability Day at India Gate, Amar Jyoti Jawan, New Delhi on 3rd December 2019, Tuesday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

  1. Indian Sign Language (ISL) to be added the amendment in the Constitution of India
  2. Education for Persons with Disabilities
  3. Census of India 2021

Also, we with NCPEDP are organizing “Walk to Freedom”, celebrating Inclusion on World Disability Day at India Gate, New Delhi on 3rd December, 2018. The general theme will be the celebration on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities but the collaterals can also be designed keeping in mind the above 3 sub-themes.

We wish to invite all you, any deaf members, any deaf leaders & deaf senior members from each of your deaf associations, deaf clubs, deaf sports, deaf women associations, deaf organisations & deaf institutions to attend the World Disability Day on 3rd December 2019, Tuesday at India Gate, New Delhi from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Thanking you!

 

Yours Sincerely,

Anuj Jain

Executive Director

Documents

Download Sr. Topic Description File Type / Size
1 Invitation Letter from NAD Invitation Letter from NAD in PDF format PDF / (0.69 MB)

Location: Indian Social Institute, 10, Institutional Area, Lodi Road, New Delhi    Projects: Deaf Women
International Women’s Day

National Association of the Deaf organized organ a seminar on “Empowerment of Deaf Women” at the Auditorium, Indian Social Institute, 10, Institutional Area, Lodi Road, New Delhi on Sunday, 25th March 2018. The deaf women are doubly disadvantaged first by disability and second with the added vulnerability of their gender. The event focused on raising awareness and creating a positive space in society for disability and women’s issues. There were about 100 deaf women and men participants.

The seminar started with the welcome note by Mrs. Geeta Sharma, NAD’s Women Secretary. The first session was taken by Ms. Angel Singha, Social Inclusion Officer, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) who first gave an intro about ICRC, how it was established and its purpose. She explained the working of ICRC and the domains in which they deal from war torn areas to empowering people getting disabled in war.

The second session was quite interactive. It was moderated by Ms. Charu Narang, Trainer, CentumGRO, Mr. Amal Dev, Trainer, CentumGRO and Ms. Misha Narang, Teacher from Haryana. The participants were divided into groups. The moderators enacted different scenarios and the groups then had to discuss upon women’s issues ranging from menstruation, dowry, relationships, etc.

Mrs. Geeta Sharma took the last session where she mentioned about prominent disability rights advocate and leader Mr. Javed Abidi, his achivements with NCPEDP and journey from the PWD Act 1995 to the new law RPWD Act 2016. He was a major support to the deaf community. His shocking and untimely demise led to the postponement of the event from 8th March to 25th March 2018.

In her closing remarks she specially thanked SAIL, Syndicate Bank, LIC, Bank of Maharashtra & Oriental Insurance Company Ltd. who sponsored the event as well as thanked all participants and everyone went for high tea.

Photo Gallery

Location: India International Cnetre, 40 Max Muellar, New Delhi    Projects: ISLRTC
Launch of Indian Sign Language Dictionary

Launch of Indian Sign Language Dictionary

Indian Sign Language Research & Training Centre (ISLRTC)

Department of Empowerement of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan)

Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India

on 23rd March 2018 at India International Cnetre, 40 Max Muellar, New Delhi

First Indian Sign Language Dictionary of 3000 words was launched by Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment. The dictionary has been developed by Indian Sign Language Research & Training Centre (ISLR&TC) under Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), M/o Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar, Minister for State of Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Mukesh Jain, CEO, National Trust, Shri Kamlesh Kumar Pandey, Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Shri Ramdas Athuwale, MoS JE, Smt. Shakuntala Doley Gamlin, Secretary, DWPwD, Smt. Dolly Chakraborty and Shri Zorin Daud Singha, Secretary, National Association of the Deaf.

Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot said that the basic aim of developing the ISL Dictionary is to remove communications barriers between the deaf and hearing communities as it is focused on providing more information in Indian sign language. Its aim is to give Deaf people the constitutional right to speech and opportunity of freedom of expression and also bringing them into the main stream of the society. He said that soon many new words will be added in this dictionary. The ISL dictionary has focused on providing more information in Indian Sign Language. He hoped that more and more people use this dictionary and get the benefit of learning Indian Sign Language.

The #FirstIndianSignLanguageDictionaryGoI with 3000 words is just a beginning of a long road, said by Smt. Shakuntala Doley Gamlin, Secretary, DEPwD.

ISLRTC is also going to start a new course called Diploma in Teaching Indian Sign Language (DTISL) from July after getting approval of RCI. The course is meant for Deaf individuals to teach sign language to interpreters and others: Smt. Dolly Chakrabarty, Joint Secretary, DEPwD

ISLR&TC has been working on its dream project of developing the Indian Sign Language Dictionary for last one and a half years. As per the census 2011, there are 50, 71,007 Deaf people and 19, 98,535 with speech disability in India. ISLRTC, New Delhi realized the gravity of the situation and issues being faced by the large number of Deaf people in common communication.

Therefore, ISLRTC has developed an ISL Dictionary for Deaf people and Hearing people, offering them the maximum words to learn and expressing their feelings, ideas etc. ISL dictionary consists of various categories of words for example legal terms, medical terms, academic terms, technical terms and daily use words. The videos are subtitled.

The English and Hindi terms for the dictionary will also help deaf children to learn English. The ISL dictionary consists of words of five categories:

  1. Everyday Terms - This category includes terms that are used in everyday communication. The videos contain the sign and the corresponding English term.
  2. Legal Terms - This category includes videos for 237 legal terms help explain complicated legal terminology like Affidavit, Acquittal, etc. That are used in various legal situations.
  3. Academic Terms - To help deaf children understand complex academic concepts, the academic dictionary contains explanations for terms like Nervous System, Rotation and Revolution, etc. The words are from various subjects like Physics, Geography, Biology, Maths, etc. This category contains 229 videos for 212 terms.
  4. Medical Terms - This category includes 200 sign videos for 200 medical terms will help the deaf community to better understand medical terminology used in hospitals and in medical situations.
  5. Technical Terms - This category has 206 videos of sign and explanations in ISL for 204 technical terms that are used in vocational training or in computer courses.

 

Photo Gallery

Location: Tapovan, Chanmaya Mission, Lodi Road, New Delhi    Projects: General
A Tribute to Shri Javed Abidi in Delhi

Remembering Javed Abidi (11.6.1965 - 4.3.2018)

Tapovan, Chanmaya Mission, Lodi Road, New Delhi on 18th March 2018

One of the world's fiercest, most passionate advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 4th, 2018.

We all paid the tribute to Late Shri Javed Abidi today afternoon on 18th March 2018 at Chinmaya Mission, Lodi Road, New Delhi.

Javed Abidi was the Honorary Director of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment Disabled People; and Global Chair of Disabled People's International. As we struggle to come to terms with the huge loss and void created by his sudden demise, let's also celebrate his life and remember him for the invaluable and unparalleled contribution that touched made to millions and millions of people with disabilities around the country and outside.

The event was started by keeping silence in memory of Javed Abidi and Mr. Som Mittal, Chairman, NCPEDP was the first speaker. Then Mr. Jagdish talked about his friendship and the starting days of formation of Disability Rights Group (DRG). Mr. Javed Abidi’s sister,  Ms. Sheeba Abidi shared her personal experiences and read a letter from Mrs. Sonia Gandhi in tribute to Mr. Abidi. Mr. Shameer, Javed Abidi’s nephew, read a poem written by Mr. Javed Abidi.

Mr. AS Narayanan, President (NAD) and Mr. Zorin Singha, Secretary (NAD) talked about Javed Abidi’s guidance and how he was such a great support to the deaf community, and teaching and leading in the space of advocacy.

There were several video messages played sent by the people who couldn’t’ be present at the event, among those was one from Mr. Thawar Chand Gehlot, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and tribute video by BRUT India on Mr. Javed Abidi life journey.

There was a pledge by the youth - Mr. Pradeep, Ms. Suvarna, Mr. Ankit, Mr. Armaan, Ms. Rupmani - to take forward the work of Mr. Abidi.

At the end of the formal event, it was open house for people to come up and share their tributes.

Above all, let us pledge to carry on his legacy. And that would perhaps be the best tribute we can pay to such an exceptional soul.

Photo Gallery

Location: Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, New Delhi    Projects: Awareness
World Disability Day 2017

Twelve thousands deaf people and disabled people gathered at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, New Delhi  earlier today on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities that is celebrated every year on 3rd December. Organized by the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) in partnership with American India Foundation (AIF) and ONGC the event saw participation of not only persons with disabilities but their deaf people, families, Deaf Associations, Deaf Institutions, and many others.

Welcome Remarks: Javed Abidi, Honorary Director, NCPEDP; Manish Kumar, Program Manager, American India Foundation; A.S. Narayanan, President, National Association of the Deaf; and Zorin Singha, Secretary, National Association of the Deaf - with Zorin SinghaJaved AbidiAmerican India Foundation and National Association of the Deaf, India in New Delhi, India.

This year the celebration was not only limited to the occasion of the World Disability Day but also for Anniversary of the Passage of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016. 21 Types of Disabilities mentioned in the RPWD Act 2016 celebrating together. We demanded Govt. for the “National Sign Language Day” on September 22, as PM approved ISLRTC as an autonomous body on 22nd September 2015.

Also, we with NCPEDP with NAD, were organizing “Walk to Freedom”, celebrating Inclusion on World Disability Day at India Gate, New Delhi on 3rd December, 2017! The general theme was the celebration on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities but the collaterals can also be designed keeping in mind the above 3 sub-themes.

Photo Gallery

Location: Vishwa Yuvak Kendra, 1 Circular Road, Teen Murti Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi    Projects: Awareness
Conference on the International Week of the Deaf 2017 “Full Inclusion with Sign Language”

National Association of the Deaf (NAD) organized a conference on "Full Inclusion: With Sign Language" in Vishwa Yuvak Kendra, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi on 21st September 2017 to celebrate the International Week of the Deaf. The conference also saw participation of some key leaders of the international deaf community such as Dr. Adam Kosa, Hon'ble Member of European Parliament; Dr. Gerely Tapolczai, Hon'ble Member of Parliament, Hungary; and Dr. Joseph Murray, Vice President, World Federation of the Deaf.

There were 300 deaf delegates from all over India participated in the conference.

International Week of the Deaf is all through this week from September 18 - 24, 2017.

Photo Gallery

Location: the India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi.    Projects: Accessibility General
Mr. Shinan P.S from Thrissur, Kerala (Deaf Bike Rider)

Good News today! NAD members – Mr. A. S. Narayanan, President, NAD; Mr. Anuj Jain, Joint Secretary and Mr. Vishal Arora, Treasurer met Mr. Shinan PS, who is a deaf bike rider from Thrissur, Kerala, on 14th August 2017 at the India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi.

Mr. Narayanan asked him a few questions while there were other people gathered there watching the interview unfold.

First question put up to him was, “Does he have a driving license and what’s his goal for the journey?” He did indeed have a driving license but it wasn’t easy to get it as the licensing authority rejected him because he was deaf the first time he went to get the license. He added that, “Hearing people have so many opportunities and I would look at that and think how I can also do the same. Then the thought struck me that yes a deaf person like me can also ride the bike, travel this far and break every barrier. Both the deaf and hearing communities should be equal on the same level.”

Mr. Shinan PS told him that he started his journey with a hearing bikers group from Kerala and his first stop was Goa. From Goa he rode alone by himself to Pune then Mumbai. In Mumbai, NIHH felicitated him. They were impressed to see a deaf biker. A few people in Mumbai supported me and made me part of their club. In Nasik, their deaf association supported me and provided place to stay. Then I went to Vadodara in Gujrat. I interacted with the people and got their support too. In Ahmedabad, I met a lot of deaf people and it was fun. I got donation from a few individuals there. Later went to Udaipur in Rajasthan. I met the deaf people and they were surprised and impressed at the same time to meet me. I also received govt. recognized certificate. In Jaipur, we got pictures clicked and my name was in the print news. From there I went to Agra and finally arrived here in Delhi.”

Mr. Narayanan then told the audience, “Wonderful, thank you. You all must not think that this much travelling on bike is easy. It is quite hard. Food, fuel and other expenses are there. If I was in his place managing all that won’t be possible for me. So, it is very commendable and brave of him. I request you all let’s come together and support him, sharing a one time donation.”

Mrs. Reena Jain, NAD’s North India Deaf Women Committee, asked a question on how he manages all the expenses, to which Mr. Shinan answered,” I welcome any kind of donations and also happily accept invitations to stay the night to sleep. At one place I was hanging out with the deaf group and they said we will pay for your food.”

Mr. Shinan had a glass cutting business which he managed himself but left it 2 months ago when he embarked on this journey. People would stop him and get pictures clicked with him and meeting deaf people from different states also extended his time.

NAD Treasurer, Mr. Vishal Arora asked the people there that who would like to join him and ride like him to which there were a few hands raised interested for the same!

Mr. Anuj Jain, Joint Secretary, NAD told that, “So as you go ahead in your journey and finish it safely without accident, we will make a proof report and present it to the Ministry of Road and Transport of India and show them that a deaf person can drive and ride and hopefully the government passes law to give driving license to the deaf.”

Next he travels to Kashmir then Nepal to Bhutan to Assam to Kolkata to Orissa to Hyderabad to and finally back to his hometown Thrissur, Kerala. He feels safe and confident going ahead and in case of any trouble he has hearing friends and Whatsapp group of bike riders. He’s careful and follows a strict time rule too. Morning 6am to evening 6pm only.

When asked about has the police ever stopped him, he said that yes just once in Mumbai but he showed the blue sign which says the driver is deaf and police let him go, no other happening like that.

Mr. Narayanan concluded, “That’s sweet and beautiful he has that sign board on the bike, travelling all over India.” And everyone went for a group photo session.

Photo Gallery

Location: Indian Social Institute, 10 Institutional Area, Lodi Road, New Delhi    Projects: RPWD
NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON DRAFT RULES OF RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

The National Workshop on Draft Rules of Rights of Persons with Disabilities was held on 2nd April 2017 at Indian Social Institute, 10 Institutional Area, Lodi Raod, New Delhi organised by National Association of the Deaf (NAD), All India Federation of the Deaf (AIFD) and All India Foundation of Deaf Women (AIFDW). It was a one day long workshop on Draft Rules of RPWD from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There were about 91 deaf leaders from all over India including Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Chandigarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, West Bengal and etc.

The workshop started with the welcome note by Mr. Anuj Jain, Executive Director of NAD. He said that the RPWD Act received the assent of the President on 26th December 2016. Currently 2 people from the deaf sector are part of the planning committee for the draft rules, they are Shri A.S. Narayanan, President of National Association of the Deaf, Smt. Uma Tuli, Founder Secretary of Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust and Shri S K Rungta, General Secretary of National Federation of the Blind.

Mr. Anuj Jain Introduced all the participants in the workshop.

Mr. A S Narayanan, President of NAD the participants of the workshop that the top most priority for the deaf sector is Employment and then Education. He then shared his experience about the RPWD Bill. When an act gets asent from the president all the chapters in the act are then changed to rules. These rules may vary from the actual chapters and sections mentioned in the Act.

The government initially wanted to stick with the PWD act and asked the disability group to add on any changes to the act. After heavy discussions amongst the group it was decided that a new Act is what we need.

For the first time a deaf person was included in the working group of the Act. Narayanan was not familiar with the process of the act or anything of this sort and in these meetings he realised that his voice was not being heard. After a few meetings he learned to be strong and encouraged his interpreters to make sure his voice was heard by the other members every time.

In 2013, the RPWD Act could have been passed but the Lok Pal Bill became the major focus and was given the priority. NAD gathered 3000 people from all over India  at India gate to get the Bill passed in the parliament. We were successful in getting the attention of the media and the government but still there was no progress. In 2015, with the new government the RPWD bill was moved to the parliament and it was agreed that the term Hearing Impaired should not be solely used but the term Deaf and Hearing Impaired should be used.

Mr. T K M Sandeep, Vice President of NAD and CEO of Deaf Enabled Foundation said that the purpose for us to know all the chapters and sections in the Act meant for the deaf in the Bill is to ensure that all these provisions are carried forward in the Draft Rules of the RPWD bill too.

Mr. Sibaji Panda said other disability groups have come a long way fighting for their rightful needs. We have just started. Narayanan has been to a few meetings and has found it difficult to understand all the things because the terminology is different. Linking our needs to the services provided by the government is essential. Identification of such needs is then significant.

All of us are aware of the situation in public transport. The bus conductor shouts out the different drop off points and we the deaf are left unaware. We need to keep asking the fellow passengers when our stop will come. How long will we do this? We need to find a way to make our lives easier.

We are open to suggestions from all of you. So, now all the participants will be divided in groups.

Mr. A S Narayanan, President of NAD, Mr. Zorin Singha, Secretary of NAD, Mr. Onkar Sharma, General Secretary of All India Federation of the Deaf and Mrs. Uma Kapoor, General Secretary of All India Foundation of Deaf Women thanked everyone for coming and participating in the workshop.

Photo Gallery

Location: Amity University, Noida    Projects: Awareness
National Anthem in Sign Language

National Association of the Deaf Team joined Mrs. Diana Lil Philips (Asst. Professor) from Amity University, Noida addressing the 2000 hearing students on 15th February, 2017 at Amity University, Noida. The response was tremendous and the 2000 hearing students were keen to implement certain changes in their working. They are willing to include Indian Sign Language as part of their training module to enable hearing students to interact with deaf people who approach them. Mrs. Diana Lil Philips (Asst. Professor), Amity University, Noida hopes for active participation from National Association of the Deaf in our student project on Sign Language in formulating this training module.

The program was organized by Amity University, Noida and around 2000 hearing students had attended the event.

Mr. Anuj Jain (Project Director), Mr. Shashi Kant (Supervisor), Ms. Sonia Bhatia (Program Officer), Mrs. Ritu Panda (Volunteer), Mr. Raj Kumar Jain (Volunteer), Mr. Shivoy Sharma (Interpreter) & Ms. Sarah Sharma (Interpreter) of National Association of the Deaf and Ms. Riya Kaur, daughter of deaf parent & student along with 10 students of Amity University, Noida sang the National Anthem in Sign Language on the stage in front of 2000 hearing students.

The National Anthem in Sign Language sent a powerful message on the importance of the promotion of Indian Sign language to Professors, Staff and Students of Amity University, Noida.

Photo Gallery

Telecast of President's Address on 25/1 and Republic Day Parade on 26/1 with Sign Language

Dear Members/Non-Members,

Greetings from National Association of the Deaf! Good News to everyone that the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting approved the telecast of:

  1. The President of India's speech on the eve of the Republic Day on DD Bharati from 6:30pm to 7:30pm on 25th January 2017
  2. The Rupublic Day on DD News from 8:30am to 12:00pm on 26th January 2017.

Pls spread this message to anyone and share it with your friends.

With regards,
NAD India!

Documents

Download Sr. Topic Description File Type / Size
1 Letter from Ministry of Information & Broadcasting The letter from Letter from Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India stating the arrangements of ISL Interpreter for Dordarshan Channel. JPG / (0.17 MB)

Photo Gallery

Location: Outside DDA, Vikas Sadan, INA, New Delhi    Projects: RPWD
Dr. Rishi Raj Bhati must be reinstated back into the DDA with full dignity

Dr. Rishi Raj Bhati was recently appointed as Director, Public Relations of Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and joined the said organisation on 10th January, 2017 on deputation. He is a person with disability (polio). The very next day, Dr. Bhati was handed over a relieving letter stating that the nature of the job would cause him “inconvenience” and that it would also “not be in the organization's interest.” 

This is a case of blatant discrimination! It was widely reported in the media on 12th January 2017. The episode also stirred a lot of anger amongst disability groups.

Disabled Rights Group (DRG) with NAD and many other disabled groups about 150 people  held a protest today against DDA's discriminatory action at outside DDA, Vikas Sadan, INA, New Delhi on 16th January, 2017.

A delegation met DDA Vice Chairman, Uday Pratap Singh who said DDA will issue a fresh letter of apology to Dr. Bhati and make every attempt to reinstate him with dignity. The delegation led by Javed Abidi, Convener, DRG, also asked for data on the number of persons with disabilities working in DDA along with a disability wise break up. DDA officials have promised that they will gather this information at the earliest and send it to DRG.

Photo Gallery

Location: India Gate, New Delhi    Projects: Awareness
World Disability Day 2016

Celebration, colors and commemoration - This is a summary of what Saturday morning looked like at India Gate in New Delhi.

6000 deaf people along with disabled people gathered at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, New Delhi on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities that is celebrated every year on 3rd December, 2016.

Organized by the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) in partnership with American India Foundation (AIF), the event saw participation of not only persons with disabilities but their friends, families, National Association of the Deaf, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Disabled Peoples Organizations (DPOs), Corporates and many others.

Photo Gallery

Location: Select Citywalk Mall, Saket, New Delhi    Projects: Accessibility Awareness
59th International Week of the Deaf

We organised the 59th International Week of the Deaf 2016, "With Sign Language, I am equal." at Select Citywalk Mall, Saket New Delhi on 3rd October 2016

We have special Chief Guest as Dr. Kamlesh Kumar Pandey, Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Ministry for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Jagdish Kumar, Senior Consultant, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry for Social Justice & Empowerment, and Mr. Harish Soni, Consultant, Indian Sign Language Training & Research Centre.

NAD Team also performed our best for showing dance, deaf cultural India and sign langauge action.

Videos

Photo Gallery

Location: India International Centre, Max Muellar Marg, New Delhi     Projects: Awareness
10th Anniversary Celebration of the National Association of the Deaf

We successfully organised the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the National Association of the Deaf on 21st February, 2016 at India Interantional Centre, Max Muellar Marg, New Delhi. We had invited Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment as a Chief Guest but he was unable to attend the event due to Haryana Jat Riot. Shri Jagdish Kumar, Deputy Secretary of Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India was the Chief Guest. Shri A. S. Narayanan, Secretary, NAD addressed the welcome note. Shri Zorin Singha, President, NAD addressed the speech.

Among the Deaf there are several individuals who have extraordinary achievements to their credit. National Association of the Deaf loves to encourage and appreciate such Deaf achievers by giving them Achievers Deaf Awards. These achievers are a great source of inspiration to the members of the Deaf community. In addition to providing role models to the Deaf community, the Achiever Deaf Awards also serve the purpose of giving joy to the parents of the Deaf Achiever, along with a sense of importance to the individual. It is also a means for the Deaf community to show the rest of society that Deaf persons are capable of the great achievements and that they too can be counted to be as equal to all other citizens.

Shri Jagdish Kumar, Deputy Secretary of Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India gave out the Deaf Achiever Awards to Shri T. K. M. Sandeep, CEO, Deaf Enabled Foundation, Shri Aqil Chinoy, Founder & CEO of Inspiralive and Shri K. C. Isaac, Founder & President, Kerala Association of the Deaf.

Shri T. K. M. Sandeep signed about his work and organisation to the audience.

Translation of News Report

Deaf-Dumb Conference Demands Official Status (Position) for Indian Sign Language

Monday February 22nd, 2016 Malayala Manorama (All Editions in Kerala, and Dubai etc.)

New Delhi,

The experst commission which constitutes the reformed Indian Sign Language should give Official Languges Position in India to Sign Languageas it was demanded in the deaf dumb national conference held at New Delhi on 21st to 22nd February, 2016. This conference was organized by National Association of the Deaf which is in the National Organisation for the Deaf.

It was decided by the central govt. last year that a research and training centre for Indian Sign Language should be established and to expand a common Indian Sign Language in India acceptable in all states.

In the Conference, Shri Jagdish Kumar, Deputy Secretary of Disabled Dept. declared that the centre will start functioning by July 2016. It is aiming at job traiing, language study, technical education to the deaf and dumb community which is 50 lakh or more number in India and proper steps will be taken for its study and research.

NAD has given to awards to K. C. Issac, President of Kerala Association Federation of the Deaf (Kottayam, Kerala), Aqil Chinoy (Mumbai) & T. K. M. Sandeep (Hyderabad) who have organized self employment projects and educational and employment cum training centres in their status.

It is to be noted that the function was organized in a quite different way than such other programmes in the capital. The speeches were short but meaningful in sign language without making hand applauses in sound, the deaf audience waved their hands in atmosphere to congratule the speakers.

The meeting started at correct time and ended 12 seconds before the deadline time. And at the end, there was attractive “National Anthem” in sign language and it was another better display for National Patriotism.

Photo:- K. C. Issac (KAFD) President receives awards of NAD from Jagadish Kumar, Deputy Secretary, Disabled Dept., Central Govt. NAD President Zorin Singha and General Secretary A. S. Narayanan are nearby.

Photo Gallery

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

Photo Gallery

Location: India Gate, New Delhi     Projects: Awareness General
World Disabled Day 2015

National Association of the Deaf (NAD) & National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) shared organizing the World Disability Day 2015 successfully, we had a symbolic WALK to Freedom at the lawns of Boat Club next to Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, Delhi on 3rd December, 2015. 

A symbolic Walk to Freedom with over 7500 deaf people and disabled people from all over India was held on 3rd December 2015 at India Gate, New Delhi to commemorate both the occasion of World Disability Day and 20 years of the passage of the Act. The participants included people with disabilities, their friends, families, and supporters. The walk also saw Parliamentarians and other dignitaries come out to show their support towards disability. 

All events and initiatives under the Campaign aimed to not just ensure that the disability movement in India achieves the maximum exposure possible (and that too at an opportune time, with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2014 currently pending in the Parliament), they also attempted to spread awareness about the agendas and imperatives to the farthest reaches of the country. 

Mr. A. S. Narayanan, Secretary of NAD, Mr. Zorin Singha, President of NAD, Mr. Dhananjay Bansal, General Secretary of Silent Sports Promotion Society, Smt. Uma Kapoor, General Secretary of All India Foundation of Deaf Women, Mr. Somesh Sharma, Advisor of All India Sports Council of the Deaf, Lalit Kumar, Executive Member of Delhi Associaiton of the Deaf, Dr. Madan Vasishta, PhD., Former Professor of Gallaudet University, Mr. Sibaji Panda, Vice President of All India Federation of the Deaf & Mr. Vivek Mehta, Chief Technology Officer shared speaking related to an Official Language as recognition of Indian Sign Language in the Constitute, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the celebration of 20 years for the Persons with Disablitied Act 1995. 

Mr. Zorin Singha, President of NAD, Mr. A.S. Narayanan, Secretary of NAD, Mr. Javed Abidi, Honorary Director of NCPEDP, the officials of America India Foundation, the officials of Hans Foundation and Shri Mahesh Giri, Hon’ble Member of Parliament shared the showcases on the stage behind India Gate. They flagged off 500 balloons to the High Sky Up. Mr. Anuj Jain, Joint Secretary of NAD taught the Basic Sign Language Class to the large audience. The Deaf Members of National Association of the Deaf performed the drama related to “United we stand, divided we fall”.

Photo Gallery

Location: Select Citywalk Mall, Saket, New Delhi    Projects: Awareness
58th International Week of The Deaf Celebration 2015 “With Sign Language Rights Our Children Can!”

We organized the 58th International Week of the Deaf “With Sign Language Rights Our Children Can!” between 26th to 27th September, 2015 at Select Citywalk Mall, Saket, and New Delhi. We are happy to share the work the done by the National Association of the Deaf. It was the great experienced to done such a nice event at Select Citywalk Mall, Saket, New Delhi. Our mission was to promote the Human Rights of Deaf people and also promote the Indian Sign Language so that ordinary people can also communicate with the deaf people. We, 15 deaf staff and volunteers have given the Literatures of Deaf Culture and the brochures of IWD 2015 to the hearing people. We were getting a good response from the people came over there. They appreciated our team work a lot. They also showed their interest to be a part of our organization. We spread awareness about the Indian Sign Language and Human Rights of Deaf People so that the ordinary people can also help them in different manner. Through this event ordinary people came to know how they can communicate with the deaf people. After they talked our 6 Sign Language Interpreter they came to know how they communicate with deaf people through sign language. We aware the people about Sign Language through our screen projectors or our interpreters were also there to help the hearing people to communicate with deaf people. 

Most of the people were not aware about the NAD. Though this event people become to know about Deaf People and Indian Sign Language. People showed their interest to learn the Indian Sign Language. They were giving a good response to us. They wanted to join our organization or support us. They also gave donation for this good cause. They praised our organization for doing this Event. We were very thankful to Select Citywalk Mall for supporting our organization and other supporters who helped us a lot.

Photo Gallery

NAD Team Celebrated the PM Approving the ISLRTC as an Autonomous Body at BJP’s Headquarter Office

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) today hailed the Centre’s decision to establish an autonomous Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre here. “The decision will help to grow Indian Sign Language and positively change lives of millions of deaf in the country including producing a large number of sign language interpreter,” a spokeperson for the association said. “Approval of autonomy to Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre by the Centre coincides with the International Week of the Deaf celebrated by deaf communities world over in the last week of September. This decision of the Indian Government would raise its standing in the eyes of world of deaf community,” he added. The Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi  yesterday had approved the setting up the Centre dedicated to exclusively developing the Indian Sign Language, something that was missing so for in the training curricula in this specialised field. The Centre will be located initially at the Institute for Physically Handicapped, New Delhi. This  decision is expected to help the five million suffering from hearing disabilities in the country. It will also provide for an increased accessibility for the hearing impaired in education, in the workplace and in the all activities of public life. The Centre will draw experts from national level organisations of the deaf, universities, academics institutions and independent experts in India Sign Language. UNI PR CH NK1654-- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0104-351566.Xml

Links from:- http://news.webindia123.com/news/articles/India/20150923/2684894.html

NAD welcomes govt's decision to set up Sign Language Centre

(Rptg, rephrasing headline)

New Delhi, Sep 23 (UNI) The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) today hailed the Centre's decision to establish an autonomous Indian Sign Language Research and training Centre here.

''The decision will help to grow Indian sign language and positively change lives of millions of deaf in the country including producing a large number of sign language interpreters,'' a spokesperson for the association said.

Read more at http://www.uniindia.com/nad-welcomes-govt-s-decision-to-set-up-sign-language-centre/national/news/210870.html#pJP2oK0WcZg84T3q.99

Photo Gallery

Location: Auditorium, Fr. Agnel School, Gautam Nagar, New Delhi    Projects: Deaf Youth
State Level Workshop on Empowerment of Deaf Youth 58th International Week of The Deaf Celebration-15

We have also been able to successfully conduct the State Level Workshop on Empowerment of Deaf Youth at Auditorium, Fr. Agnel School, Gautam Nagar, Delhi on 20th September, 2015.

The seminar started with the welcome note by Mr. Anuj Jain, Joint Secretary of NAD. Ms. Rupmani Chettari, NAD’s North India Deaf Women Committee & Deaf Youth Team of NAD shared the powerpoint presentation about International Week of Deaf “With Sign Language Rights, Our Children Can!”. Members of Noida Deaf Friendship Club & Delhi Deaf Friendship Club showed their different skits and Mime about hearing parents of deaf child and Deaf parents of deaf child.

Chief Guest Mr. Onkar Sharma, General Secretary of All India Federation of the Deaf, Guest of Honour Mr. Suresh Prakash, Treasurer of All India Federation of the Deaf and Guest of Honour Mr. Suresh Ahuja, Executive Member of AIFD are invited in the Workshop. They spoke about NAD is the best advocacy organization for demanding Govt. for our human rights for the deaf.

Mr. A. S. Narayanan, Secretary of NAD shared the powerpoint presentation about history of Indian Sign Language Research & Training Centre. Mr. Sachin Singh, Member of NAD shared powerpoint presentation about United Nations at USA.

Ms. Ritu Panda, Member of NAD shared powerpoint presentation about visiting the Regional South Asia World Federation of the Deaf.

Mr. Rahul Garg, Assistant Coordinator of NAD shared powerpoint presentation about Understanding Deaf Children. There are about 250 deaf young people from NCR participated in the Workshop. They are very impressed by our workshop.

Photo Gallery

Location: Village Patparganj, Mayur Vihar Phase-I, Delhi    Projects: Awareness
NAD Team Organised the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

We, NAD Team organised the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign) at Restaurant, Balcony, Tea Stall, Food Stall & Roads near NAD Office, 102, 19-A, Vishal Complex, Village Patparganj, Delhi on 2nd October, 2014. There were including Mr. Anuj Jain (Joint Secretary of NAD), Ms. Sonia Bhatia (Staff of NAD), Mr. Raj Kumar Jain (Staff of NAD), Ms. Harmeet Kaur (Interpreter of NAD), Mr. DeepuBalani (Volunteer of NAD), Mr. Surya Pratap (Volunteer of NAD), Mr. Bharat Sharma (Volunteer of NAD) & Mrs. Deepa (Volunteer of NAD) attending support the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

We followed our Prime Minister of India, Narender Modi launching Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. He's so good leader of India. We follow his example.

Photo Gallery

Location: Select Citywalk Mall, Saket, New Delhi    Projects: Awareness
57th International Week of The Deaf Celebration 2014 “Strengthening Human Diversity” - Day 2

We organized the 57th International Week of the Deaf “Strengthening Human Diversity” on 28thSeptember, 2014 at Select Citywalk Mall, Saket, and New Delhi. We are happy to share the work the done by the National Association of the Deaf. It was the great experienced to done such a nice event at Select Citywalk Mall, Saket, New Delhi. Our mission was to promote the Human Rights of Deaf people and also promote the Indian Sign Language so that ordinary people can also communicate with the deaf people. We, 10 deaf staff and volunteers have given the Literatures of Deaf Culture and the brochures of IWD 2014 to the hearing people. We were getting a good response from the people came over there. They appreciated our team work a lot. They also showed their interest to be a part of our organization. We spread awareness about the Indian Sign Language and Human Rights of Deaf People so that the ordinary people can also help them in different manner. Through this event ordinary people came to know how they can communicate with the deaf people. After they talked our 6 Sign Language Interpreter they came to know how they communicate with deaf people through sign language. We aware the people about Sign Language through our screen projectors or our interpreters were also there to help the hearing people to communicate with deaf people.

Most of the people were not aware about the NAD. Though this event people become to know about Deaf People and Indian Sign Language. People showed their interest to learn the Indian Sign Language. They were giving a good response to us. They wanted to join our organization or support us. They also gave donation for this good cause. They praised our organization for doing this Event. We were very thankful to Select Citywalk Mall for supporting our organization and other supporters who helped us a lot.

Photo Gallery

Location: Select Citywalk Mall, Saket, New Delhi    Projects: Awareness
57th International Week of The Deaf Celebrations 2014 “Strengthening Human Diversity” - Day 1

We organized the 57th International Week of the Deaf "Strengthening Human Diversity" on 27thSeptember, 2014 at Select Citywalk Mall, Saket, and New Delhi. We are happy to share the work the done by the National Association of the Deaf. It was the great experienced to done such a nice event at Select Citywalk Mall, Saket, and New Delhi. Our mission was to promote the Human Rights of Deaf people and also promote the Indian Sign Language so that ordinary people can also communicate with the deaf people. We, 10 deaf staff and volunteers have given the Literatures of Deaf Culture and the brochures of IWD 2014 to the hearing people. We were getting a good response from the people came over there. They appreciated our team work a lot. They also showed their interest to be a part of our organization. We spread awareness about the Indian Sign Language and Human Rights of Deaf People so that the ordinary people can also help them in different manner. Through this event ordinary people came to know how they can communicate with the deaf people. After they talked our 6 Sign Language Interpreter they came to know how they communicate with deaf people through sign language. We aware the people about Sign Language through our screen projectors or our interpreters were also there to help the hearing people to communicate with deaf people.

Most of the people were not aware about the NAD. Though this event people become to know about Deaf People and Indian Sign Language. People showed their interest to learn the Indian Sign Language. They were giving a good response to us. They wanted to join our organization or support us. They also gave donation for this good cause. They praised our organization for doing this Event. We were very thankful to Select Citywalk Mall for supporting our organization and other supporters who helped us a lot.

Photo Gallery

Location: IBN 7 TV News at Studio, Noida    Projects: RPWD
Veer: Salman's 'Being Human' to Launch a Campaign for Specially-Abled

Superstar Salman Khan's Being Human Foundation has joined hands with a news channel to launch Veer, a two-month-long media campaign showcasing case examples of Persons with Disabilities (PwD), who have succeeded in their endeavours on the strength of their self-belief.

Aerated drink Thums Up has joined hands with its brand ambassador Salman's Being Human Foundation and CNN-IBN for the campaign, which has American India Foundation (AIF) as implementation partners.

The initiative aims to reach out to PwDs with skill training and employment opportunities. It will also raise advocacy on issues revolving around inclusiveness, employability of PwDs and workplace accessibility.

In its first phase, the campaign aims to collect funds to train and economically empower at least 1,000 PwDs.

"Together with Thums Up, Being Human has launched Veer, a campaign that recognizes the potential of differently abled individuals and provides them with a level playing field," Salman, who starred in a 2010 film of the same name as the campaign, said in a statement.

Towards the cause, several panel discussions are set to be held with participation from noted names from the government, corporate, NGOs, policy makers and donors of the campaign to discuss on the way forward to empower the country's specially-abled.

The launch episode of Veer, which will be aired Saturday, will introduce the viewers to the idea behind the campaign and it will tell how every Indian can get involved.

The series with four episodes will run in conjunction with digital platforms.

Mr. Zorin Singha, President of National Association of the Deaf, Mr. Anuj Jain, Project Director of National Association of the Deaf, 10 Members of NAD, 20 Students of Noida Deaf Society and other disabled group participated in the Veer: Salman's 'Being Human' to Launch a Campaign for Specially-Abled at IBN 7 TV News Studio at Noida on 27th December, 2013.

Photo Gallery

Location: Jharoda Kalan, Najafgarh, Delhi    Projects: Awareness
Sign Language Program for Delhi Police Training College

National Association of the Deaf Team joined the students from Cluster Innovation Centre (CIC), University of Delhi in addressing Delhi Police personnel on the 1st of Nov, 2013 at Police Training College at Jharoda Kalan, Najafgarh, Delhi. The response was tremendous and the Delhi police is keen to implement certain changes in their working. They are willing to include Indian Sign Language as part of their training module to enable police personnel to interact with deaf and mute people who approach them. Mrs. Sukrita Paul Kumar, Programme Coordinator, CIC University of Delhi hope for active participation from National Association of The Deaf in our student project on Sign Language in formulating this training module. CIC is also preparing a list of official interpreters with their contact details to be handed to the Commissioner, Delhi Police that could be circulated to all the police stations for ready reference.

Mr. A.S. Narayanan, Secretary of National Association of the Deaf talked about the problems deaf individuals face while dealing with police personnel & the issues related to effective handling of cases of violence against deaf persons while presenting at an Orientation session on “The Need for the Police Redressal of Grievances of Deaf and the Use of Sign Language”. The program was organized by Cluster Innovation Centre of the University of Delhi (CIC) and attended by around 1100 Police Personnel and ACP, DCP had attended the event.

Mr. Anuj Jain (Joint Secretary), Ms. Sonia Bhatia (Program Officer), Ashish Goyal (Co-worker) of National Association of the Deaf showed our skits about robbery and rape. The skit was performed in a contrasting manner where one was acted out without the assistance on a sign language interpreter and the second scenario was with an interpreter. The contrast was visible to all the cadets. The confusion, misunderstandings that existed in the first scenario due to communication gap between the police officer and victim and that gap was solved through the presence of a sign language interpreter in the second scenario. This skit sent a powerful message on the importance of promotion of Indian Sign language.

Location: Auditorium, St. Stephen’s School, Sector 45-B, Chandigarh    Projects: Accessibility
56th International Week of the Deaf Celebrations 2013 “Equality for Deaf People”

We organised the 56th International Week of the Deaf Celebrations 2013 on ‘Equality for Deaf People’ on 29th September, 2013 at St. Stephen’s School, Sector 45-B, Chandigarh. There were about 950 deaf members from all over Punjab participating in the function. We have invited the Chief Guest Smt. Gagandeep Kaur Dhindsa, wife of Honorable Shri Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Minister of Finance, Punjab.

The function started with the welcome note by Mr. Jagdip Singh Sodhi, Executive Board Member of NAD. Mr. Vishal Arora, Treasurer of NAD spoke briefly on Equality for Deaf People to deaf audience.

The purpose of the event which we have been organizing the past year, is to promote and encourage lifetime achievement among Deaf people. We want them to believe that they can do it – that they are capable and gifted.

Prizes were awarded to deaf men and women for showing performance for drama by Deaf Members from Chandigarh Deaf Friendship Society.

These guests were presented with a Bhangra Dance performed by Deaf Members from Patiala Deaf Friendship Club.

Smt. Gagandeep Kaur Dhindsa, Wife of Honorable Shri Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Minister of Finance, Punjab was the Chief Guest giving away the awards.

We have given the list of Lifetime Achievement Awardees below:-

  • Mrs. Rupinder Kaur, Mohali, Punjab
  • Mrs. Sangeeta Sharma, Chandigarh
  • Mrs. Manpreet Kaur Ghuman, Patiala, Punjab
  • Mr. Amandeep Sharma, Patiala, Punjab
  • Mr. Nikhil Jindal, Ludhiana, Punjab
  • Mr. Deepak Arora, Jalandhar, Punjab
  • Mr. Navneet Khurana, Chandigarh

Photo Gallery

Location: Indian Social Institute, 10 Institutional Area, Lodi Road, New Delhi    Projects: Awareness
56th International Week of the Deaf Celebrations 2013  “Equality for Deaf People”

We organised the 56th International Week of the Deaf Celebrations 2013 on ‘Equality for Deaf People’ on 28th September, 2013 at Indian Social Institute, 10 Institutional Area, Lodi Road, New Delhi. There were about 165 deaf members from all over NCR participating in the Workshop. We had invited the special lecturers Mr. Sibaji Panda (International Institute for Sign Languages and Deaf Studies, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK) & Ms. Melisa, Lingustic (Jawahar Lal University, New Delhi).

The workshop started with the welcome note by Mr. A. S. Narayanan, Secretary of NAD.  Mr. Sibaji Panda took a session on Equality for Deaf People to deaf audience. It was an interactive session taking in participants’ view on equality and to identify what all is needed to achieve equality and explaining how to work on the list to be a citizen at par with others.

Ms. Melisa talked on the deaf issues focusing on the linguistic aspect. A deaf community is also a linguistic minority that uses Sign Language for communication. She shared a brief insight of her research with the school system using Indian Sign Language which was still rare and hard to come across.

This year’s theme focuses on equality for deaf people, amongst deaf people and promoted by deaf people. Equality for Deaf People recognises contributions by deaf people to global prosperity, human rights of all deaf people, and preparation of deaf communities for future challenges.

Equality for Deaf People celebrates the linguistic, artistic, social, political and cultural contributions and accomplishments of deaf people. This theme also focuses on recognition of sign languages and the rights of deaf people around India. Focus on Equality for Deaf People also prepares us to look towards the future with a clear vision with renewed energies for creating positive change in local communities worldwide.

International Week of the Deaf provides an excellent opportunity to share and discuss ways to promote collaboration on equality for deaf people based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Photo Gallery

Location: Booth No. 129, Sector 46-B, Chandigarh    Projects: General
State Bank of India inaugurated NAD’s New Branch Office in Chandigarh

Mr. Vishal Arora (Treasurer of NAD), Mr. Dilip Kumar Jangir (Executive Member of NAD), Mr. Jagdip Singh Sodhi (Executive Member of NAD), Mr. Yogesh Kumar (Public Relation Officer of NAD) and Ms. Angel Singha (Interpreter of NAD) organised the inaugural function for opening new branch office of NAD at Booth No. 129, Sector 46-B, Chandigarh on 31stAugust, 2013.

State Bank of India, Chandigarh Circle, proudly associated with the inaugural function of the National Association of the Deaf at its only office in the north of New Delhi in Sector 46-B, Chandigarh. The SBI had assisted the NAD by providing furniture, computer with printers and projector for the new office. The NAD office is engaged in spreading knowledge about Sign Language, Advocacy, Legal Purpose, Workshop and necessity or normal people to understand the same to be able to assist the deaf in exigencies.

While addressing the gathering, Shri Madhukar Anand, Regional Manager, State Bank of India (Region/Punjab), Chandigarh, explained about various CSR initiatives of the bank which have had widespread impact on the residents of the Tri-City and in particular those who are specially abled.

Photo Gallery

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

The event was inaugurated by the SHO of Chandigarh, Mrs. Harjeet Kaur. It was a highly interactive session where the deaf women got the chance of discussing all the problems and obtaining the necessary security information and tips for a safer living. The SHO shared few very important information and ways to protect ourselves. SHO was greatly moved an impressed by the enthusiastic back and forth dialogues with deaf women. And she was interested in learning and promoting Indian Sign Lanugage among the police force.

After the session, Mrs. Reena Jain, Mrs. Mamta Nagpal and Mrs. Vandana Varshney of the Executive Committee Members of North India, National Association of the Deaf organized a few games with the participants. Towards the end, the glorious event was dismissed with the cake cutting ceremony.

We saw a gathering of around 105 deaf women from Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. We were very thankful to Chanidgarh Club Ltd. for sponsoring our organization and other supporters who helped us a lot.

Photo Gallery

Location: New Delhi    Projects: General
Republic Day Tableaux 2013

Department of Disability Affairs Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India

 

THEME OF THE TABLEAUX: INCLUSION, ACCESSIBILITY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AND EMPOWERMENT

Rabindranath Tagore has rightly said, “The problem is not how to wipe out the differences but how to unite with the differences intact”.

According to Census 2001, there were 2.19 crore persons with disabilities in India constituting 2.13% of the population. Physical and mental impairments result in disability. Attitudinal and environmental barriers hinder full and effective participation of persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others in society. Disability can be mitigated by changing our perception and by creating a more conducive environment.

The Republic Day tableaux 2013, of the newly set up Department of Disability Affairs, of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, portrays persons with disabilities as  equal citizens of the nation enjoying all fundamental rights and freedoms in an inclusive society.

The tableau showcases inclusion through a live cultural program, led by a DPO (Disabled Persons Organisation), Disabled Power Group. The group is an inclusive group which includes persons with disabilities and non disabled persons, performing to a song carrying a message of solidarity, celebration and dreams.  A sculpture on the side of the tableaux depicts inclusion in creative arts. Inclusion as citizens is represented through a picture of a woman holding different identity cards symbolizing equality between all. The tableaux carries the message that the needs of persons with disabilities are the same as other citizens, which has been represented by portraying the symbols of  various sectors like health, education, sports, recreation, religion, financial services on a revolving Rubik's Cube.

Accessibility is a key to opening doors and pathways. Physical accessibility is showcased on the tableaux, through a ramp allowing wheel chair users to perform freely. A sign language interpreter (Angel Singha) is seen translating the song on the tableau which depicts accessibility incommunication, which will also be screened on the LED screens on the sides of the trailer.Accessible communication is also depicted on the semi-circular sides of the trailer wherein the words from the Constitution of India, “Equality” “Fraternity”, “Justice” and “Liberty” have been written in Braille and Sign Language. At the bottom of the trailer is a runner of disability signs and symbols, which increase accessibility of information in the public information systems.

Empowerment is symbolically represented through all the above depictions and concretized in the sculpture of persons with disabilities and others holding each other and moving forward, with the National Flag in the centre. Mural paintings depicting contributions of people with disabilities cover the sides of the tableau.

Photo Gallery

Location: India Gate to Jantar Mantar, New Delhi    Projects: Awareness
World Disability Day 2012, Recognise Indian Sign Language as one of the official languages of India

On the occasion of World Disability Day, 3rd December 2012, National Association of the Deaf (NAD) received participation of more than 10,000 deaf persons today. Deaf persons came from 20 different states including Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh. Their demand was to meet the Home Minister to discuss on including Indian Sign Language as one of the official languages of India.

NAD started the solidarity rally at 11.00 a.m. from India Gate and finished at 12.00 p.m. at Jantar Mantar. The formation for the rally was 2 kms long. After sending two letters to the Home Minister and consistently following up with his office for over a month for an appointment, NAD felt a strong need to have a rally and to not move until the Home Minister gives them the time.

After raising our demand repeatedly, NAD were given an appointment with Addl. P.S. to Home Minister at 5.30 p.m. Mr. Zorin Singha, President of NAD and Mr. A.S. Narayanan, Secretary of NAD went for the meeting along with the Sign Language interpreter. While they waited in the lobby, the Home Minister came to them and talked to them about their need. Mr. Narayanan explained the need for giving Indian Sign Language the official status. The development of the Deaf community is hinged on Sign Language because their life is entirely based on vision and common language, the culture is also based no visual expression and Sign Language. Home Minister assured them his support and directed his OSD to talk to them in detail. He also mentioned that Indian Sign language falls under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Minister will be directing Mrs. Rushima Goel, JSHR of Languages to look into their matter. NAD has written to her and they look forward to a positive response.

Photo Gallery

Location: T. T. Stadium, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh    Projects: Awareness
55th International Week of the Deaf Celebrations 2012, A Friendship Evening

55th International Week of the Deaf was celebrated on 7th October 2012 hosted by Bhopal Deaf Association in association with M.P. Association of the Deaf. There were many programs that were held simultaneously in the capital of M.P. The program was conducted in 2 parts.

The first part was the Deaf Awareness Rally where around 500-600 deaf people participated from all over M.P. The rally began in the morning at 11:00 from Motilal Science College till T.T Nagar Stadium. We created awareness for Sign Language and deaf culture amongst the hearing public. The placards too were very helpful for passing our message and our needs.

The second part of the program was held in T.T Stadium community hall in the form of cultural programs, a friendship evening which included the sharing of the progress in the Deaf community in recent years. It was an auspicious event where both, BDFC and DCF performed dance numbers and plays. This year also saw the birth of a new organisation, "Deaf Can Foundation" which is headed by Mrs. Priti Shah Soni under which things like vocational and educational training takes place. Many other things that were conducted by her were elaborated for the deaf people. The program marked the glorious presence of Mr. Kamlesh Dutta, Head of Indian Oil Corp. who was overwhelmed and wished us best of our future. Mr. Jaichand Singh, Acting Secretary of BDA shared about the progress that their association is making. On this occasion Mr. A.S. Narayanan, Secretary of National Association of the Deaf (NAD), Mr. Saju Stephen, Joint-Secretary, NAD, Mr. Kamlesh Dongre, Secretary, Madhya Pradesh Association of Deaf and Mr. Anoop Chitwadgi, President of Bhopal Deaf Association were present.

Mr. A.S. Narayanan, Secretary of NAD said that he has attended several programs but the way this program was conducted was new and different. He also wished his best to the entire community.

Moreover we had an opportunity to meet Mr. Gokarand from Bhilai, Chattisgarh who is deaf and has lost both his hands. He is a marvel and independent. From eating to studying, writing and even sending a SMS or operating a computer, he does it with the help of his legs.

The program was delightfully interpreted by Ms. Khushi Soni, Ms. Mini Chitawadgi, and Ms. Khushi Dongre. We, like every citizen of this country, have our rights and the implementation of the Disability Act will bring equality, independence and rightful participation in all social, economic spheres and improve the quality of living.

Photo Gallery

Location: Hotel Om Tower, Jaipur, Rajasthan    Projects: Awareness
55th International Week of The Deaf Celebrations 2012 Sign Bilingualism is a Human Right’ Conference

“A sign bilingual child is the one who uses two or more languages in their daily life, at least one of which is a sign language.

Sign bilingual education is an approach to the education of deaf children, which, in India, will use Indian Sign Language and a spoken language.”

We have over 17 million deaf people in our country. The quality of education that is provided in deaf schools is poor because the society has a hard time understanding the culture and linguistic needs of the Deaf community.

Our teachers need to be equipped and trained in Sign Language before teaching a class of deaf children. Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre should train the teachers in Sign Language and Deaf culture so that education can be imparted in the best way possible. This was discussed by Prof. Dr. Madan Vasishta, Chief Advisor of Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre and also an associate professor at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.

Over 50 teachers and principals of deaf schools from Jaipur participated in this conference. It was an interactive seminar led by Dr. Vasishta on the basic understanding of the importance of sign language being a mother tongue of a deaf child.

Photo Gallery

Location: Auditorium, Chandigarh Club Ltd, Sector 1, Chandigarh    Projects: Deaf Women
International Women’s Day

This was a 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. The seminar has explored these issues and a number of senior deaf women activists and participants from Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, Ambala, Rajpura, Patiala, Ludhiana and other parts of Punjab and Haryana had been participating. We saw a gathering of around 75 deaf women.

The seminar started with the welcome note by Mrs. Suvidha Jain, Woman Secretary of Chandigarh Deaf Friendship Club. Mrs. Rupinder Kaur, Woman Secretary of Chandigarh Deaf Friendship Society shared the powerpoint presentation about the deaf women who succeeded. Mrs. Sonia Sodhi, Deaf Woman Committee of Patiala Deaf Friendship Club, Mrs. Sangeeta Sharma, Deaf Woman Committee of Chandigarh Deaf Friendship Club & Mrs. Roopa Ramaiya, Education Coordination of The Deaf Way Foundation, Punjab shared the powerpoint presentation about the deaf women issues. Mrs. Reena Jain & Mrs. Vandana Varshney, NAD’s North India Deaf Woman Committees shared explaining the several rapes of deaf women in India and needed all deaf women to voice against the rape and stand what they can do for their own women rights.

Mrs. Meeta & Mrs. Mansi, Deaf Woman Committees of Ludhiana Deaf Friendship Club have performed the mimes about women issues.

Wish them a successful in their fruitful works for the future.

Photo Gallery

Location: Delhi    Projects: Deaf Women
International Women’s Day

We organized the first kind of the International Women’s Day at Auditorium, Indian Social Institute, 10 Institutional Area, Lodi Road, Delhi on 11th March 2012.

This was a 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. The seminar has explored these issues and a number of senior deaf women activists and participants from across Delhi, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Noida, and other parts of U.P. and Haryana had been participating. We saw a gathering of around 155 deaf women. We invited Smt. Bindra Karat, Chief Guest, Former Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and Smt. Anita Agnihotri, Guest of Honor, Member Secretary, National Commission for Women participating in the Seminar.

The seminar started with the welcome note by Mrs. Reena Jain, NAD’s North India Deaf Woman Committee. Mrs. Geeta Sharma, Woman Secretary of NAD shared the powerpoint presentation about the history of deaf women work & the rapes of deaf women in India.

Smt. Brinda Karat, Chief Guest, Former Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha is surprised to hear about several rapes for deaf women. She said she will do to support the rights of deaf women and protest against the rape of deaf women.

Smt. Anita Agnihotri, Guest of Honour, Member Secretary, National Commission for Women has explained her work and showed the powerpoint presentation about the goal & work of NCW.

Photo Gallery

Location: Chandigarh    Projects: Awareness
Punjab Deaf Conference

We have also been able to successfully conduct the Punjab Deaf Conference at Auditorium, Govt. Medical College & Hospital , Sector 32, Chandigarh on 3rd March, 2012. This benefits the Deaf Punjab People to learn and educate themselves about their rights, to empower themselves, understand the issues faced by our deaf leaders. Mr. A. S. Narayanan, Secretary of NAD shared the powerpoint presentations about the history of ISLRTC and the success of NAD. Zorin Singha, President of NAD testified about his visit to the International Disability Alliance, Geneva, Switzerland in September 2011 and explained the powerpoint presentation about the UNCRPD India. The Deaf Punjab People were very impressed by both of them first time. There were about 303 deaf participants from only Punjab in the Conference.

Photo Gallery

Location: India Gate, Delhi    Projects: Awareness
World Disability Day 2011

We, National Association of the Deaf (NAD) & National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) shared organizing the World Disability Day 2011 successfully, we had a large solidarity rally at the lawns of Boat Club next to Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, Delhi on 3rdDecember, 2011.

Our demand this year was the need to RECOGNISE INDIAN SIGN LANGUAGE AS AN OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF INDIA. It was time to show our solidarity. It was time to show unity. It was time to ensure a right legacy. There were 10,000 deaf people from all over the country participating in the peaceful protest.

Mr. Zorin Singha President of NAD, Mr. A. S. Narayanan Secretary of NAD, Mr. Javed Abidi Director of NCPEDP, Mr. TKM Sandeep CEO of Deaf Enabled Foundation, Mr. Arun C. Rao Executive Director of The Deaf Way Foundation & Ruma Roka, General Secretary of Noida Deaf Society shared the showcases on the stage behind India Gate. They flagged off 500 balloons to the High Sky Up. Mr. Vishal Arora, Asst. Treasurer of NAD explained the deaf issues to the audience. The Deaf Members of Delhi Deaf Friendship Society & Deaf Students of Noida Deaf Society shared performing 5 different mimes.

On World Disability Day, National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) and National Association of the Deaf (NAD) have demanded official language status for sign language and training of people to become sign language interpreters at public places.

Addressing hearing impaired persons who carried out a silent march at India Gate here on Saturday to protest against the Union government's silence on their concerns, NAD President Zorin Singha, aided by an interpreter, said India was home to over 70 million people with disabilities.

“Of this, 18 million are people with hearing impairment. Unfortunately, the concerns of the deaf people in India have not been addressed even 64 years after Independence.”

Empathising with the problems faced by deaf persons on a daily basis, Mr. Singha said: “You cannot go to school or watch television. And God forbid if you have to go to the police station or hospital for an emergency. If you go to the railway station to catch a train and suddenly there is an announcement that your train has been postponed or the platform number has suddenly changed. But you cannot hear a word. It is a matter of concern that there are no visual announcements for hearing impaired people and no visual emergency alarms in case a fire breaks out in a building.”

Expressing concern over the movement of the hearing impaired being in a nascent state, Mr. Zorin said the NAD advocates for the rights of the hearing impaired and liaises with the government and policy makers.

“We are currently hosting State-level meetings across the country to spread awareness among hearing impaired people on their rights and to also recruit more members.”

Reminding that the High Court in a recent ruling had ordered that a survey must be undertaken in public buildings, hospitals, airports, railway stations that require sign language interpreters, NCPEDP Director Mr. Javed Abidi said: “In this country, we have 18 million hearing impaired people but only 250 certified interpreters by a conservative estimate. If we are having dearth of sign language interpreters, then how would we deploy them at public places?” By The Hindu.

Photo Gallery

Location: Delhi    Projects: Awareness
NCDEDP-SHELL Helen Keller Awards 2011

The story of The NCPEDP - Shell Helen Keller Awards started way back in 1999. Over the years, these awards have come to be recognized as the most prestigious Indian benchmark for honouring people and organisations which have been working towards promoting employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

The awards are given away in 3 categories:

Category A: Role Model Disabled Person: Disabled persons from within the disability sector and outside who have been active as ambassadors of the cause of employment for disabled people and are a positive role model for others.

AWARDEES:-

1.Ashwin Karthik, Delivery Software Engineer, MphasiS, Bengaluru

2.Nilesh Singhal, Deputy Manager, State Bank of India, Bhopal

3.Pradeep Raj, General Secretary, Association for Disabled People, Delhi

Category B: Role Model Supporter of Increased Employment Opportunities for Disabled People: Individuals from within the disability sector or outside who have contributed substantially to the cause of promoting employment opportunities for disabled people over an extended period of time.

AWARDEES:-

1.Meera Shenoy, Chief Executive, Centre for PwD Livelihoods (CPDL), Hyderabad

2.Niranjan Khatri, General Manager of WelcomEnviron Initiatives, ITC Welcomgroup, New Delhi

3.Thilakam Rajendran, Managing Director, ARUNIM, New Delhi

Category C: Role Model Companies/NGOs/Institutions: Organisations from the disability sector or outside who have shown their commitment towards promoting equal employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

AWARDEES:-

1.Aegis Limited, Mumbai

2.Deaf Enabled Foundation, Hyderabad

3.ITC Hotel The Maurya, New Delhi

4.Muskaan (Parents Association for the Welfare of Children with Mental Handicap), New Delhi

5.Pointec Pens Private Limited, Bengaluru

Each year a total of 10 awards are given away – 3 each in the individual category and 4 for role model companies/organisations on 2nd December, the eve of World Disability Day.

We wish to greatly congratulate Deaf Enabled Foundation who received the 13th NCDEDP-SHELL Helen Keller Awards 2011 for Role Model NGO. We wish them a successful in the future.

Photo Gallery

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.

Photo Gallery

Location: Noida, Uttar Pradesh    Projects: Awareness
Empowering Deaf People

We have also been able to successfully conduct the Empowering Deaf People at Auditorium, Christ Church, Sector 29, Noida on 2nd October, 2011.

This benefits the Deaf to learn and educate themselves about their rights, to empower themselves, understand the issues faced by our deaf leaders.

Zorin Singha, President of NAD testified about his visit to the International Disability Alliance, Geneva, Switzerland in September 2011. They were very impressed by his testimony.

Mr. Anuj Jain, Joint Secretary of NAD explained the meaning of the Human Rights and the meaning of the deaf empowerment to all deaf participants. They are excited to learn the new things.

Mr. A. S. Narayanan, Secretary of NAD shared the Gandhi’s Life Story PowerPoint Presentations on the occasion of the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi on 2nd October, 2011.

There were about 423 deaf participants from only NCR in the Seminar.

Photo Gallery

Location: Durban, South Africa    Projects: Awareness
World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf 2011

On July 18, 2011, the 93rd birthday of human rights activist Nelson Mandela, over 2,100 registered participants from 125 countries came together in Durban, South Africa for the XVI World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD).

This was (Mr. A. S. Narayanan (Secretary), Mr. Anuj Jain (Joint Secretary), Mrs. Geeta Sharma (Woman Secretary), Mr. Dilip Jangir (Executive Board Member), Mr. Umesh Grover (Executive Board Member), Ms. Anu Saigal (North India Deaf Woman Committee) & Mr. Yogindra Nath Bhargava (Member) from  National Association of The Deaf, India’s first opportunity to attend a WFD World Congress, which are only hosted every four years. In between presentations on Deaf Education, Developing Countries, Human Rights, and Sign Language and Deaf Studies as part of the event's "Global Deaf Renaissance" theme, we held meetings with officials from the WFD, the USA National Association of the Deaf (NAD), and numerous other NADs around the globe. We are grateful to learn from these well-established organizations, and look forward to collective efforts reinforcing the work of local Deaf leaders in developing countries.

WFD is an international non-governmental organization representing approximately 70 million Deaf people around the globe, over which 80% live in developing countries. Recognized as a spokes-organization by the United Nations (UN), WFD works collaboratively with the UN to promote the human rights of Deaf people, preserve native sign languages, and ensure that Deaf people have equal access to education and information. At this year's Congress, outgoing WFD president Markku Jokinen received the Dr. Liisa Kauppinen Human Rights Award for his benevolent service to Deaf people worldwide during his past eight years in office. His role as president has now been passed to Colin Allen of Australia, whom the international Deaf community has revered for his extraordinary leadership.

Throughout the week, we were informed about current research studies on the status of Deaf people, sign language, and interpreters from Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania and the Americas. Here are a handful of interesting facts we learned:

  • WFD has documented 27 countries who have officially recognized sign language at various levels;
  • In Sweden, for every Deaf person who uses sign language, there are 8-10 hearing people who us sign language (parents, partners, interpreters, CODAs, etc.);
  • Countries in Francophone West & Central Africa Regions each have 1-5 sign language interpreters for the entire country, all of whom are informal & untrained;
  • 31% of CODAs (hearing children of deaf adults) in South Africa feel their identity is more Deaf than hearing; and
  • Deaf and Hard of Hearing students are 1.5x more likely to be victims of abuse.

While our time in South Africa was short, we were honored to have met and learned from the many wonderful people endeavoring to improve the lives of Deaf people around the world. As Nelson Mandela famously said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Through collaboration with organizations like WFD, and NAD aims to supplement such positive change.

We are already looking forward to the XVII WFD World Congress which will be held in Istanbul, Turkey in 2015. In addition, WFD will be hosting their Second International Conference in Sydney, Australia from October 16-18, 2013.

For more information on WFD, visit their homepage at: www.wfdeaf.org

Photo Gallery

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.

Photo Gallery

Location: India Gate, New Delhi    Projects: Awareness
WORLD DISABILITY DAY CELEBRATION, and National Association of The Deaf, Protest

Day celebrations on December 3. The event was organized by National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (N.C.P.E.D.P.) in collaboration with National Association of Deaf (N.A.D.). This was the 13th ‘Walk to Freedom’ and this year’s theme was ‘Say No to Amendments. Say Yes to New Law’.

The three demands that the disability sector put forward were the need for a new Disability Act, in line with U.N. Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities; implementation of promises made to the disability sector under the XIth Five Year Plan; and easy and faster access to disability certificates.

There are according to varying estimates, between 20 - 25 million people who are deaf in India add to this the hard of hearing figure and you have a rather large total of 50 or more million people who are affected by hearing impairment.

A cultural programme was organised where disabled children from various organizations took part. An exhibition was also organized by National Trust on its ‘Badhte Kadam’ initiative which aimed at spreading awareness on disability issues. Posters, booklets, etc. were showcased in the exhibition.

Thousands of deaf protestors bring Planning Commission to a standstill

As the Government celebrated another cosmetic World Disability Day on December 3, around 2000 hearing impaired people from across the country under the banner of National Association of the Deaf (N.A.D.) stormed Yojana Bhawan in New Delhi, which houses the office of the Planning Commission, protesting against the non-implementation of the XIth Five Year Plan.

The protestors blocked the entry to the building and the road and refused to budge from there till their demands were heard. The XIth Five Year Plan has an entire chapter on disability with maximum benefits for the deaf community. The Plan mandates the setting up of a Sign language Research and Training Centre, a National Captioning Centre, at least one residential school up to class XII for hearing impaired students in every state and one degree college in every zone, among other things. But more than 2 years after the Plan came into force, implementation has been zero.

N.A.D. had been trying to meet with the Deputy Chairperson of the Planning Commission, Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia for close to 3 months without avail. Ironically, half an hour into the protest, Dr. Ahluwalia agreed to meet the leadership of N.A.D.

A.S. Narayanan, Secretary, N.A.D.; Zorin Singha, President, N.A.D.; along with Arun Rao of The Deafway Foundation and Javed Abidi, Convenor, Disabled Rights Group (D.R.G.) expressed their deep displeasure at the non-implementation of the promises made to the disability sector in general and the deaf community in particular, under the XIth Five Year Plan. Dr. Ahluwalia immediately offered to have a Committee constituted to review this issue as a part of the ongoing mid term appraisal of the Plan. But the delegation categorically refused this offer and said that mere assurances and reviews would no longer work. They needed a tangible time frame.

After much back and forth, Dr. Ahluwalia conceded to personally put in a word with the Prime Minister at a cabinet meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. that very day. He also agreed to talk to Mukul Wasnik, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, the nodal ministry for disability related issues.

Undeterred by the cold, the thousands of deaf protestors continued on with their ‘indefinite dharna’. As the word spread, a large number of media people started descending at Yojna Bhavan. With the clock ticking and virtually with every passing minute, the embarrassment only kept increasing for Government of India! The pressure was truly mounting.

Finally at around 8 p.m., Mukul Wasnik personally spoke to Abidi over the cellphone and invited the N.A.D. delegation for a meeting at his residence. Wasnik listened patiently to the demands. Shockingly, he was not even aware of the chapter on disability in the XIth Five Year Plan. Arun Rao told Wasnik that due to the lack of sign language training, education for hearing impaired children in the country is vastly neglected, as a result of which the level of their employment is pretty dismal. Rao informed the Minister that India only has 6 trained sign language interpreters! He firmly reiterated that only the setting up of Sign Language Institute will address these needs. Rao also lamented the absence of the post of sign language interpreter at public utility services like railway stations, airports, passport offices, etc.

Wasnik assured the delegation that he would look into all the mandates of the XIth Five Year Plan and will schedule another meeting soon. Finally, the protest was called off at about 10 p.m., nearly 8 hours after it all began. issues. Posters, booklets, etc. were showcased in the exhibition.

Photo Gallery

Location: Delhi    Projects: Awareness
 International Day of the Deaf 2008

Letters from MSJE to Ministries

NAD demands

Advocacy with the Ministry:

The Secretary of NAD and Dr. Madan Vasishta were able to share the concerns of the NAD with Mr Ashish Kumar, JT Sec MSJE. We shared our concerns with him and asked him to support the deaf community by enacting and implementing the provisions in the 11th 5 year plan. He has taken up the issues we have raised with him and as such has issued letters to Secretaries of all States and also other Central Govt ministries.

Copies of the letters are available for download.

The 51st International Day of the Deaf was celebrated on 28th September 2008 in Delhi. A large gathering of 300 deaf persons met at the Indian Social Institute under the leadership of the President Zorin Singha and Secretary A.S. Narayanan. The work of NAD over the past year was shared with the assembled deaf persons. The new passage of the 11th Plan 2007-2012 and the provisions that are shared therein. The new NAD website was also shared with the group.

Mr. T. Raghava, Secretary, All India Deaf Bank Employees Association was honored with the NAD “Life Time Achievement Award”. His life of service to the deaf community in terms of preparing deaf persons to work in banks and creating training modules for the current deaf bank employees to work in their posts in a more efficient manner. He was a charter member of the DAD, AIFD and AISCD and set up AIDBEA after his selection by Indian Bank.

Photo Gallery

Our Sponsors

Copyright © 2024 National Association of the Deaf.

Website developed by   inspiralive