Odisha to Promote Sign Language with Landmark Agreement

Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards promoting inclusivity, the Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) department has partnered with the Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (AYJNISHD) to advance sign language education across Odisha. This initiative aims to train 100 proficient sign language interpreters, and provide instruction to 4,000 deaf students and 800 teachers across 55 special schools for the hearing impaired.

The agreement ceremony took place at the NSAP conference hall of the W&CD Department office, with Nityananda Gond, Minister of Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare, School and Mass Education, and Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, in attendance.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Gond highlighted the pressing need for sign language interpreters in the state. “The scarcity of sign language interpreters has posed substantial obstacles for individuals with hearing impairments, hindering their access to essential services, educational opportunities, and equitable participation in societal activities. By addressing this gap, we aim to enhance communication, inclusivity, and the overall well-being of the hearing-impaired community in the state,” he said.

Bishnupada Sethi, Principal Secretary, emphasized the holistic development of deaf students, noting, “This agreement facilitates placement opportunities for trained interpreters in various sectors. The project will identify potential employers and organize networking events to connect trained interpreters with job opportunities.”

Other distinguished attendees included Niyati Pattnaik, Director of SSEPD, Santosh Pradhan, Additional Secretary, Dr. Suman Kumar, Director of AYJNISHD-D, Dr. Lanu Wanboy of AYJNISHD, and Akhaya Sagar from ORF.

This initiative marks a major milestone in the state’s efforts to create a more inclusive society by breaking down communication barriers for the hearing impaired and enhancing their educational and professional opportunities.