Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching Indian Sign Language

Table of Contents

Nomenclature

The program will be titled Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching Indian Sign Language (PGDTISL).

Objectives

The objectives of the Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching Indian Sign Language (PGDTISL) program are:

To develop professionally trained educators equipped to teach Indian Sign Language (ISL) and Basic subjects (Hindi, English, Math, Science and personal safety (“no touch”) education, etc effectively in educational institutions, thereby creating a more inclusive and accessible society.
To enhance understanding of the structure, grammar, and use of ISL, enabling educators to master the theoretical and practical knowledge required for teaching the language.
To promote and integrate Deaf culture, history, early intervention (Deaf kids) and identity into ISL teaching, fostering a holistic learning experience for deaf students.
To provide trainees with the knowledge and skills to design curriculum, develop teaching methodologies, and implement assessments specific to ISL instruction.
To empower educators to advocate for the use of ISL as an educational mode for Deaf students at all levels, from primary to higher education, in alignment with the NEP 2020 and RPwD Act 2016.
To enable the orientation and training of diverse groups such as government officials, teachers, professionals, community leaders, and the general public, promoting the widespread use and recognition of ISL.
To provide practical experience through a structured teaching practicum, allowing educators to apply their learning in real-world teaching scenarios.
To equip teachers with evidence-based instructional techniques.

Scope of the program

The Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching Indian Sign Language (PGDTISL) is designed to empower educators with specialized knowledge and skills to teach Indian Sign Language (ISL), Basic subjects (Hindi, English, Math, Science, personal safety (“no touch”) education, etc) effectively. ISL, a visual gestural language, is developed to support the communication needs of the Deaf community by utilizing a combination of hand movements, shapes, orientation, facial expressions, and body language to convey specific information. This program equips educators to promote the use of ISL in various domains, including education, employment, and community engagement, thereby fostering inclusivity and accessibility for the Deaf population across India. It also addresses the growing demand for qualified ISL instructors to meet the linguistic, social, and educational needs of the Deaf community. This program expands on technological advancements in ISL education, such as AI-powered ISL translation, VR-based teaching, and digital accessibility. Below is a detailed look at the scope of the PGD-ISLI:

Education Sector

PGDTISL graduates can contribute significantly to educational institutions that serve Deaf learners or inclusive classrooms. Specific opportunities include:

Deaf Schools: Teaching ISL as a first language and academic subjects using ISL.
Early Intervention Programs: Providing ISL exposure to Deaf children at an early age, ideally led by Deaf educators for linguistic and cultural authenticity.
Teacher Training Programs: Instructing D.Ed. (HI), B.Ed. (HI), DTISL, and DISLI students in ISL communication and ISL-based teaching methodologies.
Special Educator Development: Training special educators in Deaf schools to incorporate ISL into their teaching practices.

Eligibility

A candidate should have:

Certificate of Disability (Deaf)
Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 45% marks.
Those graduate candidates with DTISL/ level C certificate will be given preferences in admission.
Proficient receptive and productive skills (70 % above in ISL proficiency test) in Indian Sign Language (ISL) to be assessed before admission. The proficiency test to be developed and conducted by both ISL Master Trainers (Deaf) and Sign Linguists.
Selection committee includes ISL Master Trainers (Deaf) and Sign Linguists nominated by ISLRTC.

The admission process will include:

Relevant tests to assess ISL skills and written language skills.
Interview to evaluate overall aptitude and suitability for the program.

Medium of Instruction

The medium of instruction for the program will be Indian Sign Language (ISL) along with English or Hindi. Instructors at regional centers, if proficient in a regional language, may use that regional language in conjunction with Indian Sign Language to facilitate effective communication and understanding.