The Government relies heavily on Census data for demographic statistics concerning Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

According to the 2011 Census, 2.68 crore individuals in India were reported to have disabilities, with 19% identified as having hearing disabilities. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, ensures recognition, protection, and promotion of Indian Sign Language (ISL).

 

In alignment with the RPwD Act, 2016, and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, several initiatives have been launched to integrate ISL into the education system. Key contributions by the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), New Delhi, include:

• NCERT Textbooks Converted into ISL: Under an MoU between ISLRTC and NCERT in 2020 (renewed in 2023), NCERT textbooks for Classes 1 to 6 have been converted into ISL and are accessible online. Textbooks for Classes 1–3, developed as part of NEP 2020, have also been translated into ISL.

• ISL as a Language Subject: In collaboration with the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), ISLRTC has developed a curriculum for ISL as a language subject at the secondary school level.

• ISL Dictionary: ISLRTC has created an ISL dictionary, incorporating academic terms from NCERT textbooks to enhance learning.

Skill Development Initiatives for PwDs

To advance skill development among PwDs, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) implements the National Action Plan for Skill Development of PwDs (NAP-SDP), which includes:

• ISL Training: Deaf PwDs receive ISL training through the Skill Council for Persons with Disabilities (SCPwD) and certified trainers.

• Skill Training Programmes: A variety of training programmes, such as basic ISL communication and employability skills, are conducted by Deaf trainers using ISL as the medium of instruction.

• Diploma in Teaching ISL: ISLRTC offers a two-year RCI-approved professional Diploma in Teaching Indian Sign Language, training Deaf individuals to become ISL teachers, with ISL as the primary medium of teaching.

Digital Resources and Accessibility

To enhance accessibility and encourage the use of ISL in media, ISLRTC has developed several digital tools and resources:

• 'Sign Learn' Platform: A dedicated website and mobile application for the ISL Dictionary.

• Educational Content on PM e-Vidya: ISL-based educational content is broadcast on DTH Channel No. 31 under PM e-Vidya and live-streamed on YouTube.

• Social Media Content: ISL resources, including videos, are actively shared on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to reach wider audiences.

Through these comprehensive efforts, the Government continues to promote inclusivity, empower PwDs, and enhance the integration of ISL into education and skill development initiatives.