Activities

Free Health Camp For The Deaf at KVK Sarvajanik School, Ghatkopar

March 15, 2026By Signing Hands Foundation

On 15 March 2026, a Free Health Check-Up Camp was organised for the Deaf community at KVK Sarvajanik School, Ghatkopar, Mumbai.

The camp was organised by Signing Hands Foundation (SHF) in collaboration with ISH News, with the aim of making healthcare services more accessible, inclusive and communication-friendly for Deaf individuals.

For many Deaf people, communicating with doctors and understanding medical information can be challenging because of the lack of accessible communication. The health camp helped address this barrier by providing Indian Sign Language (ISL) communication support at the venue.

ISL interpreters and Deaf volunteers were present to assist participants during their interactions with doctors and healthcare professionals. This enabled Deaf participants to communicate their concerns, ask questions, and better understand the medical advice provided to them.

Participants received access to multiple health check-ups and medical tests free of cost, giving them an opportunity to learn more about their health and identify possible health concerns.

The initiative focused exclusively on supporting the Deaf community, creating a comfortable and inclusive environment where participants could access healthcare without facing communication barriers.

Beyond providing medical check-ups, the camp also highlighted the importance of health awareness and accessible healthcare.

The event reflects the continued efforts of Signing Hands Foundation and its partners to promote health, accessibility, awareness and inclusion, and to ensure that Deaf individuals can access essential services in a language they understand.

Activities

Health Camp at NIHH – by SHF & CIL

March 8, 2026By Signing Hands Foundation

On 8 March 2026, a Free Health Check-Up Camp was organised for the Deaf community in Mumbai at the Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (AYJNISHD).

Organised by Signing Hands Foundation in collaboration with ISH News, the camp aimed to make healthcare more accessible and communication-friendly for Deaf individuals.

Communication barriers can make it difficult for Deaf patients to communicate with doctors and understand medical advice. The camp provided ISL interpreters and Deaf volunteers to support communication throughout the event.

Participants received free health check-ups and medical tests, helping them understand their health and identify potential concerns. The camp was exclusively for Deaf individuals and was limited to 200 participants, allowing the medical team to provide focused support.

The initiative highlighted the importance of accessible healthcare and showed how ISL support can help Deaf individuals communicate more comfortably and access healthcare services with greater confidence.

Signing Hands Foundation and ISH News remain committed to promoting health awareness, accessibility, and inclusion for the Deaf community.

Accessible healthcare is not a privilege — it is a right.

Activities

Self-Defence Classes for Women & Children – by SHF In Collaboration With Coromandel

February 22, 2026By Signing Hands Foundation

Signing Hands Foundation (SHF), in collaboration with Coromandel, organised two self-defence programmes in Mumbai to help Deaf women and children build safety skills, confidence, and awareness.

The first programme was exclusively for women aged 15 and above and was held at Lower Parel in March 2026. Participants learned practical self-defence techniques while developing alertness, confidence and quick decision-making skills.

A second programme was held in June 2026 at Rotary Sanskardham School, Goregaon, for children, with support from Murugappa and Coromandel Group. Through age-appropriate exercises, children learned basic self-defence techniques while building strength, awareness and confidence.

Both programmes provided an accessible and inclusive environment where Deaf participants could learn, practise and communicate comfortably. They also highlighted the importance of equipping the Deaf community with skills that promote safety and independence.

Through such initiatives, Signing Hands Foundation and its partners continue to promote safety, confidence, empowerment and inclusion within the Deaf community.

Activities

An Accessible Navratri For The Deaf Community

October 22, 2024By Signing Hands Foundation

Navratri is one of the most celebrated festivals in our country, and it brings joy and enthusiasm to everyone. This year, Signing Hands Foundation was proud to sponsor the special Deaf-Accessible Navratri event organized by NNMD in Mumbai. It was heartwarming to see the Deaf Community come together in large numbers and celebrate this vibrant festival with their loved ones. Making festivals accessible for all truly captures the spirit and joy of these occasions.

Activities

Partnering with DEPwd & ISLRTC for Inclusive ISL Initiatives

October 1, 2024By Signing Hands Foundation

SHF was honoured to be part of the Sign Language Day 2024 celebrations, led by Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri B.L. Verma, and organized by DEPwD & ISLRTC. With the launch of 100 foundational ISL concept videos for Class 6, the addition of 2,500 new signs to the ISL Dictionary, and the release of inspiring Deaf Role Model videos developed by us, this day marks a big step towards inclusive education and employment. We are proud to collaborate with the Ministry to support initiatives that strengthen accessibility for the Deaf Community.

Activities

Signing Hands Foundation Brings ISL to Apraava Energy

October 1, 2024By Signing Hands Foundation

We at Signing Hands Foundation were honoured to have partnered with Apraava Energy to bring the basics of Indian Sign Language to their workplace. It’s inspiring to see organisations like these taking proactive steps to break communication barriers and create an inclusive environment.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to all the participants for their enthusiasm. We look forward to collaborating on more such initiatives and continuing this journey towards inclusivity.

Activities

National Workshop for Draft National Policy for Persons With Disabilities

October 3, 2017By Aqil Chinoy

The National Workshop was conducted by the four organizations on 13th and 14th August, 2022 from 9:30 AM to 6:00PM where Deaf Leaders from different states of India were invited to share their knowledge, opinions and suggestions for the drafting of National Policy for Persons With Disabilities.

The four organisations contributed their responsibilities. National Association of the Deaf (NAD) took care of the Invitation Letters and Correspondences with the Delegates. Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (Divyangjan) (AJYNISHD) provided the Conference Hall, Tea/Coffee/Snack and Lunch for both days. National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) covered the flight and train expenses. Signing Hands Foundation (SHF) provided the accommodation, breakfast and dinner.

The Workshop started off with the National Anthem video created by ISH News. After individual introductions were made, Kanchan Pamnani, Advocate & Solicitor shared her perspectives on RPWD 2016 and what we should contribute to the National Policy.

Over the course of 2 days Deaf leaders and interpreters gave a presentation on each chapter mentioned in the Draft policy. After discussing the chapter and its shortcomings in detail, the attendees provided their recommendations to improve the policies.

On the first day the following chapters were covered:

• ‘Education’ was covered by Mr Sibaji Panda & Mr Sunil Sahasrabudhe.
• ‘Health’ by Pallavi Kulshrestha.
• ‘Skill Development and Employment’ by Arun C Rao.
• ‘Accessibility’ by Aqil Chinoy.

The first day was concluded after a round of discussions, discussing the various suggestions made for the aforementioned chapters.

The attendees then went back to the accommodation provided by SHF where after dinner, an impromptu discourse was held.

On the second day the following chapters were covered:

• ‘Lack of data and invisibility of persons with disabilities.’ by Mr Akshay of NCPEDP.
• ‘Disability Certificate’ by Mr.A. S. Narayanan.
• ‘Sports, Culture and Recreation’ by Isaac K.C and Babu Eapen.
• ‘Protection of Rights or PWD’s and other policy measures’ with Dr. Renuka Rameshan.
• ‘Women & Children’ by Saudamini Pethe.

The day ended with a summary of all the recommendations for the Draft Policy.