Empowering Persons with Disabilities: DEPwD Signs MoU with SignAble Communications

New Delhi: To support persons with disabilities, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SignAble Communications. This collaboration marks a crucial step forward in enhancing assistance for individuals with speech and hearing disabilities.

The primary objective of the MoU is to improve communication and accessibility for visually and hearing impaired individuals (Divyangjan). Currently, different departmental organizations use various helpline numbers, underscoring the need for a centrally maintained, user-friendly Short Code Helpline Number. The National Level Helpline for Divyangjan, Short Code-14456, was inaugurated on January 8, 2024, during the International Purple Fest in Goa. Helpline services commenced on January 27, 2024, initiated by AYJNISHD (D), offering features such as:

To assist individuals with Speech & Hearing Disabilities, SignAble Communications will provide ISL (Indian Sign Language) interpreters through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding. The helpline operates on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.