Bhubaneswar: The Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department has entered into a landmark agreement with Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (AYJNISHD-D) to promote sign language across Odisha.
The initiatives aim to create a cadre of 100 proficient sign language interpreters and provide training to 4000 deaf students, 800 teachers across 55 special schools for the hearing impaired in Odisha.
The agreement ceremony took place at the NSAP conference hall here in the presence of SSEPD Minister Nityananda Gond.
On this occasion, the Minister said, “There is a need for sign language interpreters in the state. This scarcity has posed substantial obstacles for individuals with hearing impairments, hindering their access to essential services, educational opportunities and equitable participation in societal activities.”
By addressing this gap, the projects aim to enhance communication, inclusivity and the overall well-being of the hearing-impaired community in the State, he said.
Emphasizing on holistic development of deaf students, SSEPD Principal Secretary Bishnupada Sethi said, “This agreement facilitates placement opportunities for trained interpreters in various sectors. The project will identify potential employers and organize networking events to connect trained interpreters with job opportunities”.
Among others, SSEPD Director Niyati Pattnaik, Additional Secretary Santosh Pradhan, Director of AYJNISHD-D, Dr. Suman Kumar were present.