Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on 16th April 2023 launched an initiative to telecast proceedings of the Tamil Nadu State Legislative Assembly in Sign Language. According to a statement issued by the Tamil Nadu Government, in compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD) 2016, they have been taking measures to provide a barrier-free environment for the persons with disability in public spaces. District collectors were issued directions to appoint Sign Language Interpreters in all meetings organized by them as well as during other public events to empower deaf people to understand the meetings in their own language. The proceedings of the assembly with Sign Language Interpretation will be telecasted on TV and broadcasted on YouTube and other media platforms. Stalin launched this initiative in the presence of Assembly Speaker M Appavu, and the launch too was translated into Sign Language by Sign Language Interpreters.
The government will also be providing modern tools for reading to 1,000 visually impaired students of higher secondary schools and those studying in government colleges. The education assistance provided in schools and colleges to disabled persons has been increased. An addition of Rs 7 crore has been allotted which will benefit 22,300 students. Further, the mid-day meal scheme is set to be expanded to special schools and primary training centres as well which are run by NGOs with government assistance. Listing out its other initiatives, Stalin said that the state government had been allocating houses for disabled people on a priority basis through the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board (TNHDB) and  Panchayats. To help those who are not able to make deposits for their house, the government will take measures to offer loans without interest through cooperative banks for about five years.

Tags

• Indian sign language
• tamil nadu assembly in isl

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