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Launch of the New Indian Sign Language Dictionary: Enhancing Accessibility for the Deaf Community

Introduction

This article discusses the recent launch of the latest Indian Sign Language (ISL) dictionary by the Prime Minister, as reported by the Times of India on September 24, 2021. This significant development underscores the importance of accessibility and inclusion for the deaf community, which has historically been underserved regarding communication and resources.

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

The Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) operates as an autonomous organization founded in accordance with the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860 (Registration Number S/1440/2016). Established on September 28, 2015, the ISLRTC falls under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

Major Activities of ISLRTC (2018-2019)

  • Launch of Dictionaries:

    • The 2nd Edition of the Indian Sign Language Dictionary, containing 6,000 terms across everyday, academic, legal, technical, and medical fields, was launched on February 27, 2019.
    • The 3rd Edition, featuring 10,000 terms, was inaugurated on February 17, 2021.

  • Diploma Programs:

    • During the 2018-19 session, 45 candidates enrolled in the Diploma in Indian Sign Language Interpretation (DISLI) course to address the need for ISL interpreters in the country.
    • The ISLRTC obtained approval to conduct a two-year Diploma in Teaching Indian Sign Language (DTISL) starting from the 2019-20 academic session, with an intake of 20 candidates.

  • Interpreting Services:

    • Throughout the Delhi NCR region, the ISLRTC provided interpreting services to 71 organizations, institutions, associations, and departments.
    • A database of 325 interpreters from various regions has been compiled and is available on the ISLRTC website.

  • Deafness Awareness Program:

    • The DEAF-NP (Deafness: Empowerment and Awareness for Families) initiative aimed to educate and empower families about deafness and its implications, with training conducted at three locations.

Census Data on Hearing Disabilities in India

According to the 2011 Census, India has 5,071,007 individuals with hearing disabilities and 1,998,535 with speech disabilities, out of a total of 26,810,557 persons with disabilities. The needs of the deaf community regarding Indian Sign Language have often been overlooked, leading to significant barriers.

Importance of the UNCRPD

India is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which mandates providing equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in all aspects of life. Article 9(2)(e) on 'Accessibility' states that governments must facilitate access through the provision of live assistance, intermediaries, and professional sign language interpreters.

Global Perspectives and Initiatives

Several international organizations have tackled the challenges faced by the deaf community:

  1. National Technical Institute for the Deaf, USA: Their International Education Outreach aims to enhance educational opportunities for the Deaf globally through collaboration with Deaf leaders.

  2. PEN-International: Founded with support from the Nippon Foundation, this network seeks to enhance postsecondary education for deaf students through shared resources and training.

  3. P-CEN: This initiative builds on the success of PEN-International and furthers opportunities in pre-college education.

  4. IEO Projects: The rights-based approach emphasizes the involvement of the deaf community in all educational and technological developments.

Current Challenges and Recommendations

A recent global report highlighted several challenges faced by deaf communities worldwide, including:

  • Inadequate government data on the population of deaf individuals.
  • A shortage of qualified sign language interpreters.
  • Lack of certification systems for interpreters.

Recommendations Include

  • Enhanced data collection about deaf individuals by governments.
  • Increased funding for training programs for both Deaf Association leaders (NADs) and sign language interpreters (ASLIs).
  • Development of leadership training opportunities for the deaf community.

India's Progress and Future Outlook

While ISLRTC has recognized and awarded 34 certificates to DISLI graduates, the need for further action is paramount. India must embrace comprehensive strategies to uplift its deaf population, including:

  • Expanding existing programs to train more interpreters.
  • Collaborating with global best practices.
  • Harnessing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to establish more institutions focused on deaf education.

Conclusion

Individuals with hearing disabilities possess immense potential and can contribute significantly to society, given the appropriate resources and opportunities. It is a collective responsibility to enhance their living conditions and create a more inclusive environment where all individuals can thrive. By investing in the deaf community, we can enrich our economy and advance social equity.