A sign language interpreter may soon be a new addition to all government press conferences and meetings. News18 has learned that all ministries have been asked to implement this at the earliest this month.
Sign language interpreters can be seen at press conferences in Western countries. Incidentally, this is a mandatory requirement under Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act2016, also in India, but it is rarely followed in practice.
“The Act mandates the appropriate government to create a barrier-free environment for persons with disabilities in physical infrastructure, transport, information and communication technology and other facilities and services. Therefore, it is up to the government to ensure that all public information relating to each sector is accessible to all categories of persons with disabilities, including persons with disabilities,” said Anjali Bhawra, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) on June 2. Wrote letter to all ministries News18 has a copy of the letter.
he said that since Sign language One of the preferred modes of communication for hearing impaired persons is “the ministries/departments/their organizations.”
The letter further states that one letter was sent by his predecessor to all the ministries in 2018 and the other by Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra Kumar to all the ministers in October last year.
“I would be grateful if you issue appropriate instructions to all concerned including organizations under your administrative control to ensure availability of Sign Language Interpretation during meetings/seminars/workshops/press briefings. Please inform this department of action,” Bhavra wrote.
To guide the ministries, Bhavra has said that the government has set up the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Center (ISLRTC) with an aim to promote the use of this nonverbal communication in the country.
“Ministries/Departments may take technical support of this institute for the provision of interpretation of sign language in their meetings/seminar workshops/press briefings,” their letter said.
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