The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) to make textbooks and other educational material accessible to children who are deaf or hard of hearing in Indian Sign Language (ISL), informed the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on Tuesday.
“The availability of NCERT textbooks in Indian Sign Language (ISL) will ensure that children with hearing disabilities can also now access educational resources and it will be a useful and much-needed resource for teachers, teacher educators, parents, and the deaf community,” said Thawar Chand Gehlot, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment.
According to officials of the ministry, children’s cognitive skills are developed in childhood, and it is necessary to provide them with educational material following their learning needs.
“So far, children with hearing disabilities used to study only through a verbal or written medium, but after the signing of this MoU, they can study through a single ISL also. It will not only enhance their vocabulary but also enhance their capabilities to understand concepts,” said Shakuntala Gamlin Secretary.
The Minister further complimented the National Education Policy 2020, stating that it would bring effective changes to the Indian education system and benefit students.
