Sign Language is a Birth Rights of Deaf

Community

Harish Soni , Asst. Professor -

Sign Linguistics (Deaf Studies )
Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre
New Delhi
Identity
• Linguistic Identity
• Cultural Identity
• Social Identity
United National Convention on the
Rights of Persons with
Disability (UNCRPD)
Article 2: Definition
“Language”
“Language” includes spoken and signed
languages and other forms of non spoken
languages
Article 9: Accessibility (point 2 e)
 To provide forms of live assistance and
intermediaries, including guides, readers
and professional sign language
interpreters, to facilitate accessibility to
buildings and other facilities open to the
public
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Article 21: Freedom of expression and
opinion, and access to information
( Para 1 point b)
Accepting and facilitating the use of sign
languages, Braille, augmentative and
alternative communication, and all other
accessible means, modes and formats of
communication of their choice by persons
with disabilities in official interactions
Article 24: Education ( Point 3 b &c)
b) Facilitating the learning of sign language
and the promotion of the linguistic identity
of the deaf community
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c) Ensuring that the education of persons, and
in particular children, who are blind, deaf or
deafblind, is delivered in the most
appropriate languages and modes and
means of communication for the individual,
and in environments which maximize
academic and social development
Article 30: Participation in cultural life,
recreation leisure and sport ( Point 4)
Persons with disabilities shall be entitled,
on an equal basis with others, to
recognition and support of their specific
cultural and linguistic identity, including
sign languages and deaf culture.
RPWD Act - Principles for empowerment
of persons with disabilities,—
(a) respect for inherent dignity, individual
autonomy including the freedom to make
one's own choices, and independence of
persons;
(b) non-discrimination;
(c) full and effective participation and
inclusion in society;
(d) respect for difference and acceptance of
persons with disabilities as part of
human diversity and humanity;
(e) equality of opportunity;
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• (f) accessibility;
• (g) equality between men and women;
• (h) respect for the evolving capacities of
children with disabilities and respect for
the right of children with disabilities to
preserve their identities;
CHAPTER III – EDUCATION
• CHAPTER III – EDUCATION
16(v) ensure that the education to persons
who are blind or deaf or both is imparted
in the most appropriate languages and
modes and means of communication; (
17(c) to train and employ teachers, including
teachers with disability who are qualified
in sign language and Braille and also
teachers who are trained in teaching
children with intellectual disability;
Understanding Accessibility

• Socio level
• Education level
• Vocational level
How?
• Accessibility in Family
• Accessibility in Society
• Accessibility in Public services
• Accessibility in Public services
• Professional needs to trained in Sign
Language by Deaf teachers
• Early intervention in Sign Language
• Schools need to have ISL cell
Accessibility in classroom
• Method of Communication
• Method of Teaching
• Teaching learning material
• Assessment ( language /literacy )
• Co-curricular activities
Family /environment factors

• Involvement ( No social distancing only

physical distancing with social
acceptance)
• Communicative barrier free environment
THANK YOU