The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) has called for wider use of Indian Sign Language (ISL) in everyday public life, emphasising its importance in ensuring accessibility, participation and human rights for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The call was made in connection with the International Day of Sign Languages, observed annually on September 23.
The department highlighted the need to move beyond treating sign language as a specialised communication service and instead promote its use across public-facing institutions and everyday interactions. Greater familiarity with ISL among government officials, educators, service providers and the wider public can help reduce communication barriers faced by deaf citizens.
The Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), under DEPwD, has been working to promote and develop ISL through training, interpreter services, resource development, awareness programmes and other initiatives. Its mandate includes orienting and training government officials, teachers, professionals, community leaders and members of the public in understanding and using Indian Sign Language.
ISL plays an important role in communication in education, workplaces, families and community life. Government initiatives have also focused on expanding accessible resources and strengthening the availability of sign-language services. DEPwD’s current digital and accessibility initiatives include an ISL dictionary and a sign-language-enabled interface for the national disability helpline.
The department’s emphasis is aligned with the broader rights-based approach under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, as well as India’s commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The United Nations recognises early access to sign language and services in sign language, including quality education, as important to the development and participation of deaf people.
Wider adoption of ISL in public services, education, workplaces and community settings can contribute to a more accessible environment in which deaf citizens can communicate, access services and participate more fully in society. The focus on making ISL part of everyday citizenship therefore places communication accessibility at the centre of inclusion and equal participation.