Non-Standardised Indian Sign Language and Standardised American Sign Language
Anuj Jain, the executive director of the National Association of the Deaf, knows firsthand the societal challenges faced by those deaf against social stigma who communicate through sign language. He believes that the standardisation of Indian Sign Language (ISL) is critical for both educational purposes and facilitating employment opportunities in both private and government sectors.
A Beacon of Hope: The National Education Policy (NEP) Initiative
The announcement on July 30th, within the National Education Policy (NEP), regarding the standardisation of ISL brought a glimmer of hope to individuals like Jain. The policy not only declared the standardisation of ISL but also emphasized the development of national and state curriculum materials to be used by students with hearing impairments.
Addressing the Disparity: Formal Training in ISL
According to the World Health Organisation, out of the estimated 6.3 million individuals with complete or partial hearing disabilities in India, less than 2% have received formal training in ISL. Standardising ISL is expected to enhance the employment prospects of individuals with hearing disabilities, beyond the reserved government sector jobs.
The Significance of Standardisation
Jain underscores the importance of standardisation for ensuring uniformity in education. He highlights Section 24 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which mandates that educators of children with hearing disabilities must be proficient in sign language. However, despite this mandate, progress has been sluggish.
Overcoming Social Stigma: Promoting ISL
Jain sheds light on the societal stigma surrounding sign language usage, noting instances where parents discourage their deaf children from using sign language due to feelings of shame. However, Jain advocates for the promotion of ISL, emphasizing its importance in facilitating communication and education within the Deaf community to safeguard deaf against social stigma.
The Evolution of ISL: A Work in Progress
The Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) has been instrumental in developing ISL, releasing dictionaries encompassing thousands of words. Despite facing delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts are underway to expand the ISL vocabulary, including technical terms.
Empowerment Through Education
Efforts are underway to develop sign language-based curriculum for Class X and Class XI through the National Institute of Open Schooling, aiming to provide comprehensive education in subjects like Mathematics and Science. Additionally, there’s a push to allow deaf individuals to pursue Bachelor of Education courses, enabling them to become educators within their community.
The Importance of Standardisation
Rati Misra, an advisor at the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), stresses the necessity of standardising ISL to address existing variations. Without standardisation, regional differences in sign language could pose challenges, particularly in higher education.
Ensuring Accessibility: The Role of Teachers
Proper training for educators is essential to ensure the academic success of students with hearing disabilities. Addressing the lack of sign language proficiency among teachers can mitigate early dropouts and enhance educational outcomes for deaf students.
Advocating for Inclusivity
Disability rights activist Satendra Singh emphasizes the need to recognise ISL as an official language to promote inclusivity in national events and governmental communications. Additionally, regional consultations are vital to ensure that standardisation efforts reflect the diverse linguistic needs of the Deaf community across India.
A Call for Comprehensive Engagement
Singh underscores the importance of considering the needs of deaf-blind individuals during standardisation efforts, advocating for the inclusion of stakeholders from various regions and linguistic backgrounds.
Conclusion: Towards a Unified Approach
The standardisation of Indian Sign Language represents a significant step towards inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with hearing disabilities in India. By promoting uniformity in education and communication, standardisation paves the way for greater opportunities and empowerment within the Deaf community. Through collaborative efforts and regional consultations, India can bridge the gap between non-standardised Indian Sign Language and standardised American Sign Language ASL, fostering a more inclusive society for all.
