Sign Language Development

Sign Language Development
Poor academic attainments of the deaf and a near total absence of linguistic skills among them have to be attributed to the absence of a full fledged standard Indian Sign Language. Deaf being physically fit, can hold their own easily if they can be equipped with adequate linguistic skills. For this to happen, a unified/common or standard Indian Sign Language has to be put in place.

Association had prepared a Project Report for development of such a sign language which is easy to use, easy to understand by deaf and hearing people alike, and can meet the domestic, educational, training, professional, socioeconomic and religious needs of the deaf. Though the proposal was approved in principle by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India and its implementation in collaboration with Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped, Mumbai was oked, it was consigned to oblivion merely because some other NGO had published a sign language dictionary with about 1600 words/signs. It is for anyone to judge if the knowledge of mere 1600 words/signs is sufficient for leading a satisfying and fulfilling for a human being.

What is strange is that with just these 1600 words/signs in place, 'Interpreters for the deaf,' courses lasting from 3 to 9 months have been started, even though tools of the trade are not available, nor are their qualified instructors. Apparently anything is good for the deaf. In any case who cares?

With the Government assistance denied, the Association has to implement the project on its own by raising resources. As it is a long term project and involves lots of personnel, equipment, travel and interaction, the costs will be naturally high. Hopefully, some foreign funding agency will take note of this requirement and come to the aid of Association, as indigenous funding seems impossible.