Maanaadu.in 29 October 2026
The SIGN CALL Project, implemented by Ashray Akruti with the support of Qualcomm, organised a one-day state-level workshop on Indian Sign Language (ISL) for special educators on October 23, 2026, at S Hotels, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The workshop aimed to strengthen sign language skills among special educators, school principals and rehabilitation professionals to promote effective communication and inclusive education for children with hearing impairment.
The programme brought together special educators, school leaders and rehabilitation professionals for a day of learning, practical training and expert discussions on the importance of Indian Sign Language in educational settings.
The workshop was graced by Dr. R. M. Tamil Selvan, Assistant Professor of Special Education at Tamil Nadu Open University, and Mr. M. Vinoth, Sign Language Educator, Interpreter, Trainer and News Presenter, as the chief guests. Their participation underscored the importance of promoting sign language awareness, strengthening professional competencies and improving communication accessibility for children with hearing impairment.
The training sessions covered the theoretical foundations of Indian Sign Language and provided participants with hands-on learning opportunities to develop their practical signing skills. The sessions focused on enhancing educators’ ability to use sign language effectively in classrooms and other educational and rehabilitation environments.
A key highlight of the workshop was an expert panel discussion featuring professionals from special education, school leadership, sports coordination, physical education and speech therapy. The panel comprised **Dr. B. Anupama Devi, Assistant Professor of Special Education; Mr. G. Elanchezhian, Headmaster of Rangammal Memorial Higher Secondary School for the Hearing Impaired; Mr. G. Jayaseelan, Sports Coordinator at Jehnissi Foundation; Dr. V. Merin Girija, Assistant Professor of Physical Education; and Mr. S. Dhanasekaran, Senior Speech Therapist.
The panel discussion addressed significant issues concerning the role of sign language in the lives of children with hearing impairment and the shared responsibility of parents, educators and professionals in creating an inclusive communication environment.
One of the central topics was the importance of parents learning Indian Sign Language to strengthen parent-child relationships, facilitate meaningful communication at home and support children’s social and emotional development. The panellists also discussed the challenges associated with standardising Indian Sign Language, particularly the presence of hyperlocal signs and regional variations used by different communities.
Another important area of discussion was the effective integration of sign language into teaching practices. The experts highlighted the need for accessible classroom communication, appropriate teaching strategies and greater awareness among educators to ensure that children with hearing impairment can participate more effectively in the learning process.
The workshop provided a valuable platform for professional development, knowledge exchange and discussion on the practical challenges of sign language education. By bringing together theoretical instruction, hands-on training and expert perspectives, the programme sought to equip participants with relevant knowledge and skills for application in their respective educational and rehabilitation settings.
At the conclusion of the workshop, all participants received learning materials, including _Sign Shastra_ books, training kits and certificates of participation. These resources were intended to encourage continued learning and support the practical application of Indian Sign Language in their professional work.
The state-level initiative reaffirmed the commitment of Ashray Akruti, with the support of Qualcomm under the SIGN CALL Project, to promoting sign language awareness, strengthening the capacities of special educators and rehabilitation professionals, and advancing inclusive educational opportunities for children with hearing impairment. The workshop highlighted the vital role of accessible communication in building stronger relationships, improving educational participation and fostering a more inclusive society.
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