The theme for the 2021 International Day of Sign Languages is “We Sign For Human Rights” highlighting how each of us
deaf and hearing people around the world, Can work together hand in hand to promote the recognition of our right to use sign languages in all areas of life.
According to the World Federation of the Deaf, there are more than 70 million deaf people worldwide. More than 80% of them live in developing countries. Collectively, they use more than 300 different sign languages.
The International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) is celebrated annually across the world on 23 September.
Indian sign language history
Indian Sign Language (ISL) has been developed over the last century and has been taught since 2001. According to the BBC, about 700 Indian schools teach sign language. ISL has its own grammar and gestures, but there are some regional differences.
In 2001, the AYJNISHD National Institute of Language and Hearing Impairment created and introduced ISL’s first formal training course to the hearing impaired Shivaji Panda. Panda is a founding member of Indian Sign. Association of Language Teachers (ISLTA) and Association of Indian Sign Language Interpreters (ISLIA).
In 2011, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment of India helped establish the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Center (ISLRTC) at the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). However, the center was closed and re-established in 2015 as an association under the Department of Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE).
Indian sign language history
Indian Sign Language (ISL) has been developed over the last century and has been taught since 2001. According to the BBC, about 700 Indian schools teach sign language. ISL has its own grammar and gestures, but there are some regional differences.
In 2001, the AYJNISHD National Institute of Language and Hearing Impairment created and introduced ISL’s first formal training course to the hearing impaired Shivaji Panda. Panda is a founding member of Indian Sign. Association of Language Teachers (ISLTA) and Association of Indian Sign Language Interpreters (ISLIA).
In 2011, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment of India helped establish the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Center (ISLRTC) at the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). However, the center was closed and re-established in 2015 as an association under the Department of Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE).
