Push for Indian Sign Language Recognition Gains Momentum in Education Reform
A Cambridge study highlights systemic barriers faced by deaf students in India and calls for ISL to be an official language to improve access to education.
- A University of Cambridge study advocates for Indian Sign Language (ISL) to be recognized as an official language to address high dropout rates among deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) students in India.
- The study criticizes the widespread use of 'oralism' in Indian schools, which prioritizes speech and lip-reading over sign language, as detrimental to students' educational outcomes.
- India faces a severe shortage of infrastructure for DHH students, with only 387 schools nationwide and limited higher education institutions and interpreter training programs.
- The 2016 Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act mandates sign language promotion and teacher training, but significant implementation gaps remain.
- The study also calls for public awareness campaigns to combat stigma surrounding deafness and ISL, alongside increased government investment in research and education for DHH students.
Free Press Journal 
Hindustan Times 