Watch the history of NAD in Indian Sign Language
I will tell you about the history of NAD.
There were two hearing persons named Arun Rao and JSK Rao. They had a meeting in Bhopal and planned to establish NAD. Both of them started working on it in full force.
They thought that the responsibility must be shared with deaf persons too. In 2001, a deaf person named Ian Stillman went to Kullu, HP and was caught in a drugs case by the police. He was imprisoned in Shimla.
Arun Rao explained to the deaf people that such a thing can happen to any deaf person.
Ian Stillman was a famous person and was a member of NIHH. So things were easier for him. If such a thing happens to a simple and poor deaf person, who will help him. It is better to establish the working of NAD.
Even after staying in jail, Ian Stillman did a lot of hard work inside and made really beautiful art pieces. We will show the beautiful art pieces to you.
Arun Rao had a meeting with deaf leaders and discussed on what to do in establishing NAD. Arun Rao asked them to list down all the problems that deaf people face in India.
He asked them if foreign countries deaf people have good. They said yes it is the best in the foreign countries.
He explained that even deaf people in Austria have a lot of similar problems. Deaf people in the whole world have a lot of similar problems. Arun Rao explained to them and they understood.
Nearly 5000 deaf people from all over India gathered at India Gate, Delhi on December 3rd, 2005 for the first time. A lot of people became NAD members.
This massive gathering was unprecedented and demonstrated the community's hunger for representation and advocacy. The community came together with a shared vision of fighting for their rights and creating a better future for deaf individuals across the country.
We remember and thank Arun Rao for his support.
Official launch at India Gate with 5,000 deaf individuals. Beginning of organized advocacy for deaf rights in India.
After protests, Mr. A. S. Narayanan became the first deaf person to be included in the Planning Commission committee, a historic achievement.
India's first Association of Sign Language Interpreters was launched in collaboration with JNU's Linguistic Department in June 2007.
High Court of Delhi passed orders allowing deaf individuals to obtain driving licenses, removing a major barrier to mobility and independence.
Massive solidarity rally at India Gate for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, which was later passed into law in 2016.
After sustained protests and advocacy, ISLRTC was made autonomous on September 22, 2015, ensuring the preservation and development of Indian Sign Language.
NAD continues to fight for accessibility, education rights, employment opportunities, and full implementation of the RPWD Act 2016 across India.
We remember and thank Arun Rao and all those who had the vision and courage to establish NAD. Their dedication and hard work laid the foundation for an organization that has transformed the lives of countless deaf individuals across India. Their legacy continues to inspire our work every day. Good news for you.
Join us as we continue to write history and create a better future for the deaf community in India.