International Week of the Deaf (IWDeaf) from 18th to 24th September 2023

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is collaborating with organizations within its purview to observe the International Week of the Deaf (IWDeaf) from September 18, 2023, to September 24, 2023. During this week, the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), which operates as an autonomous organization under the DEPwD, has taken the lead. ISLRTC is the primary institution responsible for research, development, training, and raising awareness about Indian Sign Language (ISL) throughout India. As part of IWDeaf, ISLRTC is organizing various activities centered around specific themes.

International Week of the Deaf (IWDeaf) Themes

The International Week of the Deaf (IWDeaf) celebrations organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) and the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) encompass various important themes and initiatives. These themes revolve around promoting awareness of the Declaration of the Rights of the Deaf Child, enhancing global capacity, emphasizing the motto “Nothing Without Us,” advocating for the inclusion of Deaf individuals in agendas, championing sign language rights for all, and fostering the creation of inclusive Deaf communities.

On the occasion of ISL Day, which falls on September 23, 2023, the department will launch several flagship programs under the theme, “A World where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere”. These initiatives include the introduction of Video Relay Services, the development of sign language videos explaining financial and banking terms, the implementation of ISL courses at special schools for the Speech and Hearing Impaired, and the launch of a self-learning-mode-based ISL Course. These efforts aim to empower Deaf individuals, enhance their self-reliance, and provide communication skills to their family members, fostering a more inclusive society.

Workshop

In an effort to promote a better understanding of Indian Sign Language (ISL) within the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), a two-hour ISL learning workshop was conducted on September 21, 2023. Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, the Secretary of DEPwD, chaired the workshop. All officers of the department also attended the workshop.

During the workshop, participants had the opportunity to learn various daily communication signs in ISL, and they also gained an understanding of all the signs representing the English alphabet. This initiative reflects the commitment of the Department, under the visionary and empathetic leadership of Secretary Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, to empower individuals with hearing impairments and promote inclusivity within the broader communities associated with them.

About the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC)

The Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) is an autonomous center under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It was established in 2011. Its objective is to promote the use of Indian Sign Language (ISL) as an educational mode for deaf students at primary, secondary, and higher education levels.

The ISLRTC also conducts research on ISL and publishes books and articles on the subject. It also provides training to teachers, parents, and other stakeholders on ISL.

The ISLRTC is playing a vital role in promoting the use of ISL and improving the lives of deaf people in India. It is a valuable resource for the deaf community and for all those who are interested in learning about ISL.

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