In order to help deaf students pursue their scientific dreams, the central government has enlisted the help of scientists and special education experts for the deaf. Together, they are training sign language interpreters and developing signs for terms and concepts in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) in the Indian Sign Language (ISL) to make higher education more accessible.
This aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) which aims to standardize and improve the curriculum of ISL for inclusive education. Around 6% of the global population is estimated to have disabling hearing loss. According to the 2011 Census, India has over 5 million deaf and hard of hearing individuals. It is rare to find them in STEM fields due to a lack of accessible learning resources.
Rajesh Aggarwal, secretary of the department of empowerment of persons with disabilities, announced that CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH) in Chandigarh and Delhi-based Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) are collaborating to create a network of ISL interpreters trained in STEM terminology and concepts, in order to bridge the communication gap.
The two organizations will collaborate to develop terms and concepts in ISL for students in classes 9 to 12. Introducing the countries first-ever project, "Indian Sign Language Enabled Virtual Laboratory" (ISLEVL), is a part of CSIR's 'JIGYASA' program. This initiative aims to provide specialized digital content in STEM subjects, translated into Indian Sign Language, to educate and empower the deaf community. It is a pioneering effort in the country to pave the way for inclusive education and accessibility.
