Hello, India! I am going to tell you about the 8th National Deaf Conference. You all are aware it is being scheduled in Kolkata from 25th January 2024 to 27th January 2024.

What I am going to tell you now is important for you to know. 

What does the word 'network' mean? It means connecting with important contacts and people. If Deaf have problems in their hometown, state, district, city etc. Should the Deaf continue to suffer and not change the situation? You should learn from others. But, how? It is by attending national programs where you meet people from all over India, share experiences, address problems, and exchange ideas to find solutions. When you return to your hometown, you can implement the ideas discussed by the network you established, for a better change. Attending programs helps building a strong network which benefits everyone from individuals to states to country and even to the world. Establishing your network or contacts is exactly the reason why you should attend the 8th National Deaf Conference in Kolkata.

The National Deaf Conference is being organised by the National Association of the Deaf (NAD). The conference is being hosted by the West Bengal Forum of the Deaf Society (WBFDS), which is affiliated to NAD. 

Currently, Mr. A.S Narayanan is the President of NAD. Mr. Saju Stephen is the General Secretary. An ex-member of the NAD Board Mr. Oshin Das is the host of the conference in West Bengal

Mr. Pranabananda Hazra is the President of WBFDS. Mr. Sanjib Bose is the General Secretary.

Have a look at the Organizing Committee (OC) of the 8th NDC, who will take care of the logistics like boarding, lodging, exhibitions, finance etc. The first National Deaf Conference (NDC) was held in Delhi in 2008.

Now the 8th NDC is being hosted in Kolkata. Have a look at the venues of the earlier conferences. What an experience! What is the aim behind organizing a National Deaf Conference? 

It is very useful. Let me tell you, NDC is organized every two years. NAD takes up activities such as advocacy, holding meetings with government officials, collecting data related to Deaf individuals, their lives, their human rights, etc. and every two years, the collected data is shared at the NDC and solutions are discussed. It is extremely beneficial for the Deaf individual as on their return to their hometowns, can implement the same and spread awareness faster. NAD's two yearly conference is useful as it also gets media coverage which helps make the government aware. It helps everyone in networking, sharing and learning.

Who can attend the National Deaf Conference?

Indian expert leaders, women, youth, activists, researchers, would be sharing their experiences at the conference. A few international Deaf too would be attending the conference to share their experiences. Amazing benefits! The NDC will not only be attended by the Deaf. It will be beneficial to all others. Deaf males, Deaf females, CODAs, SODAs, and ISL Interpreters can attend the conference. NGOs, government officers, employers of Deaf, too are welcome to attend. Deafblind individuals, NAD members from other affiliated associations, young and experienced adult leaders from the North-east, Hearing parents of Deaf children too should attend. The National Deaf Conference is valuable for every Indian as it would provide inspiration and awareness. School teachers too can attend the conference. Everyone who attends the conference will go back more empowered and aware who will be respected.

Here is the schedule of the National Deaf Conference.

Everyone wants to know what NAD has been doing since 2 years. There will be a presentation to show their progress. There will be group discussions, problem sharing, and talks about education, accessibility, human rights, how associations can advocate their demands and a lot more. NDC would also provide answers to everyone's problems and there will be a lot of sharing and learning. There are a lot of lectures planned. To know about the presenters, follow the National Deaf Conference's Instagram account.  You will get all the updated news and information. Also during the event, there will be videos displaying the advocacy work done by NAD in all these years. There will also be an exhibition where there will be stalls. For example, everyone is not aware about the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). The stall will explain the importance of RCI for certification for ISL teachers and ISL Interpreters. NCERT's stall will give information about the educational changes like inclusion of sign language in schools etc. There will be other stalls where information about government benefits related to the Deaf would be showcased. There will be poster presentations as well where an individual would be explaining the content. Along with the presentations, even the posters would be beneficial. NAD has also arranged an award ceremony where high achievers would be awarded. NDC will have an opening and a closing ceremony as well. There is a list of events planned which will be beneficial to the Deaf. 

There is something which is very important. Grievance Cell! What does Grievance cell mean? Hearing people send their grievances through helplines, letters to district, state, central govt. and not to PM or President. They know the process well. However, the Deaf find it difficult through letters and helplines are inaccessible. Setting up a Grievance cell will solve the problem. NAD already has set up a grievance cell. The announcement of which will be done during the 8th NDC at Kolkata. Surprising! The Deaf need not suffer any more as they can send all their grievances to NAD and they will help solve them. It is amazing to know that NAD has set up a grievance cell for the Deaf who will now be able to share their problems. Do attend the program.

Let me tell you in brief about NAD and its activities. NAD was established in December 2005. It has 16 affiliated state associations. NAD has been advocating for the rights of the Deaf, human rights, inorder to make their lives better. NAD works on the following six pillars for the betterment of the Deaf community. Let me explain - (1) Education (2) Employment (3) Accessibility (4) Indian Sign Language (5) Awareness and (6) Communication. These are the 6 pillars based on which NAD aims to improve the opportunities for the Deaf community. You can see the details on the NAD website.

NAD's affiliate, West Bengal Forum of the Deaf Society (WBFDS) works primarily in West Bengal. For the betterment of the Deaf community of West Bengal, it acts as an interface between the district, state and local Deaf community. It is similar to what NAD does at national level. WBFDS is the host of the 8th National Deaf Conference. The event will be very interesting. So, make sure you go to Kolkata to attend.

Here are the registration details.

Registration fees for NAD members is Rs 1500.

For those who are non-members of NAD, the fee is Rs 2000.

For members of WBFDS, the registration fee is Rs 1000.

For others who are not members of WBFDS, registration fees are Rs 1200.

Registration fees for those from the North Eastern region is Rs 1000.

Remember, once the registration is done, it cannot be cancelled and there will be no refund.

Gratitude to Yunikee for being the social media partner for the NDC organized by NAD and hosted by WBFDS. 

Everyone, follow the Instagram account of NDC for regular updates.

Remember NDC is from 25th January to 27th January 2024. However, it is not at the same venue. The event on 25th January 2024, will be held from 4.00 PM to 8.00 PM at Yuba Kendra, Moulali Acharya Jagdish Chandra Bose Rd, Maula Ali, Raja Bazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700014

The event on 26th January and 27th January 2024 will be held from 10.00 AM to 7.00 PM at Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium, Thackeray Rd, Alipore Police Line, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700027

Remember there are 2 different venues. If you are interested in knowing further details about registration, boarding, lodging, here are the contact details.

Tags

• national deaf conference
• kolkata
• deaf india

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