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Hyderabad, India
 Deaf Reach

DEAF REACH was founded in 1991 by J.S.K.Rao, with guidance from Mrs. Christine Lazarus, chairperson and M.L.A.'89-94, and initiated with five deaf youth, Hari Kumar, Anil Kumar, Ritesh Kumar, Nagesh and Moosa Kutty. Deaf Reach began by identifying potential leaders in the Deaf community in Hyderabad and focused on empowering them with skills and training to better serve their community. For several years now, part of this time in cooperation with UNICEF, Deaf Reach has been implementing unique leadership training and mentoring programs in the Indian State of Andhra Pradesh. Present day Programs include Leadership training, Adult Education, Computer training program, AIDS awareness, Job Placement, Interpreters training, Sign Language training, Deaf Awareness and counseling.

Some years back, Deaf Reach pioneered India's first ever AIDS Awareness Program for the deaf, entitled “Relationships and Health”. The first such program was coordinated with Project Sign Post of Mumbai, the organization that first developed this unique non-verbal health education curriculum for the deaf. Project Sign Post has since turned this project over to Deaf Reach

Founder J.S.K. Rao interpreting in sign language at an AIDS Awareness workshop.

Sign Language training for teachers of the deaf.

Leadership training program.

An estimated 193,600 deaf Indians are HIV positive. This is the largest HIV positive deaf population in the world, and the one least likely to receive life support resources, information, education, and communication. The “Relationships and Health” workshop is the only method currently available for helping the deaf understand health and safety within relationships. This workshop is attended by deaf youth, from which some are chosen to be Deaf Peer Educators (DPE's), to train deaf people in the towns and cities of south India. Key benefits: Empowering deaf women and girls to protect themselves, and help the deaf make informed choices about relationships, as well as health awareness.


Director of the Department of Disabled Welfare, State Government of Andhra Pradesh, releasing India's First Sign Language Training Video developed by DEAF REACH, supported by UNICEF.


Union Minister for Urban Development visiting one of the Stalls at Deaf Expo '98 as part of the International Week of the Deaf, Sept. '98


English classes for the deaf


Founder J.S.K. Rao interpreting in sign language at an AIDS Awareness workshop.

Our Teacher Training program for Deaf adults is the first of its kind in India. Currently we have students from four cities. The one-year course trains deaf adults to be teachers in deaf schools. It is also the only program in India to offer a Bilingual approach to Deaf education, that is, using Indian Sign Language as the first language to learn other languages.

The consultant to our program is Dr. Madan Vashihsta, a prominent Deaf Educator from Gallaudet University, Washington DC (Gallaudet University is the world's only University for the Deaf.) Our program is being watched very keenly by the Rehabilitation Council of India and other government bodies, and is expected to be replicated in other parts of the country.


Sign Language training for teachers of the deaf.


Leadership training program.

Skit on communal harmony and inter-religious cooperation at the All India Cultural Festival for the Deaf, Hyderabad.

2002 Overview

The year 2002 started with the inclusion of DEAF REACH in the GITEX EXHIBITION held in Hyderabad from January 1st to the 9th with a special stall donated by the Secretary, IT Shri Satyanarayana IAS to project the work of and for the Deaf and hailed by the Governor and Lady Governor as one of the best stalls. The weeklong exhibition highlighted social responsibility and recognition of the deaf as potential workers in the IT Sector. As of Jan 2002 Ms. Candice B.Sc Computers MBA Finance/PG/HRD has consented to serve part time as the CEO.

The CMD requested the Parents Teacher Association to be more responsible in the affairs of DEAF REACH and to take initiative in the activities, including helping the Deaf with housing facilities, ration cards, bus/railway passes etc.,

In March our records were inspected in connection with the grant of first installment received from GOI. The sudden death of the CEO and Founder of Deaf Reach Shri JSK Rao had serious repercussions. Immediately on confirmation of the renewal of the grant efforts plans are being made for community based rehabilitation for the Deaf. This program will assure maximum empowerment for deaf young people with the courses on English, Bilingualism (sign & written) relationships & health and life skills training and jobs for those who have been trained as teachers.

The new financial year brought changes: 4 members trained and experienced took up the responsibility of teaching and training.

In April the Commissioner Disabilities informed the Chairperson of Deaf Reach of the government backlog vacancies to be filled by the disabled. The members were directed to meet the deaf and the CMD will meet the CM to request certain exemptions and considerations:

  1. That the filling up of 1% of the 3% for disabilities be mandated only for the profound deaf
  2. That the technical training to be acknowledged as equivalent to intermediate; in view of the fact that there is only one junior college for boys in Baptla for the entire State and with a request for a college at district headquarters.
  3. That the deaf be interviewed with an interpreter in view of the use of sign language
  4. Consideration of special schools proposal submitted for pre and primary schools for deaf children before integration with hearing children.
  5. Grant of lease of land requisitioned in 1997/1999 through the Collector RR District.
  6. Request for release of funds to assist some of the deaf leadership to attend the DEAF WAY II in USA.
  7. State Assistance to NGOs for special services.

In May orientation classes were held for teachers of the deaf in English. Request to be made to NIHH for inclusion of sign language in the Teachers Training and to send us material to help with our various courses.

In June 02 our CMD approached the Governor of AP & First Lady who immediately consented to host the Helen Keller Birthday Celebrations and present the Anne Sullivan Awards to teachers of the deaf and blind, the activists also of the deaf and blind and our supporters. DEAF REACH organized the entire program with support from the PTA.

Anne Sullivan Excellence Awards for Teachers for the Deaf

Every year on 27th June, we celebrate Helen Keller's birthday by hosting the Anne Sullivan Excellence Awards for Teachers for the Deaf. This event is an annual feature eagerly anticipated by the teaching community here in Hyderabad.

This year we gave awards to seven teachers of the deaf for their outstanding service to the field of deaf education. The Commissioner for Disabilities of the Government of Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Sunder Vadan, presented the awards.

One of our long-standing dreams was also realized this past June 27th with the opening of the DEAF REACH Pre School for the deaf, the opening also officiated by the Commissioner. The Preschool is housed on property donated by Mrs. Christine Lazarus, former State Legislator and our Chairperson. The property required renovation and construction, and many individuals and companies came forward and donated construction materials. The preschool is unique in that all the teachers are Deaf adults teaching deaf children. We have an initial class of five deaf children.

When we first launched the Anne Sullivan Excellence Awards, an article covering this appeared in the "Deccan Chronicle", the largest circulated English newspaper in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Centre for Research, Education and Empowerment for the Deaf (C.R.E.E.D.)

DEAF REACH launched the Centre for Research, Education and Empowerment for the Deaf (C.R.E.E.D.) in April, 2001. The new centre was inaugurated by the First Lady of the State, Mrs. Haripriya Rangarajan. The centre, is housed on the 7th Floor of an office building comprising of two rooms. The office space was given by Mr. Bashiruddin Babu Khan a prominent builder and former Minister, rent free for a period of one year. The centre will house a computer centre (our second computer centre), a Sign language lab and library. Entrepreneur Development programs will also be conducted at this centre. Intergraph Corporation donated 15 used computers for the centre. Sign Language Classes, the first of its kind in the country will also be offered at this centre. Currently the centre is offering free computer training to deaf school children from poor families.

More Deaf Reach Activities

First National Seminar on Billingualism in Deaf Education: Deaf Reach hosted the first ever National Seminar on Bilingualism in Deaf Education in March of 2001. This seminar is an historic one in that for the first time a seminar was conducted on Indian Sign Language(ISL) and its role in deaf education. This seminar was sponsored by the Rehabilitation Council Of India (R.C.I.). For a long time Sign Language was suppressed in India thus denying the Deaf in India access to education in their native tongue. This seminar paved the way for official recognition of ISL. The seminar was conducted by eminent Deaf Educator Dr. Madan Vashishta, former Superintendent of the New Mexico School for the Deaf and currently teaching at Gallaudet University, Washington D.C. and Dr. Ulrike Zeshan, a linguist from Germany who has done pioneer research on ISL. Several othe academics presented papers. Around 120 people participated including principals of Teacher Training Centre, teacher, professionals, p arents and deaf people. The two day seminar was inaugurated by Mrs. Mani Kumari Minister for Disabled Welfare, Government of Andhra Pradesh on 24th March.

The Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Dr. C. Rangarajan and the First Lady Mrs. Rangarajan hosted a tea at the Governor's Residence for all the participants as well as 100 deaf children form various schools. We took this opportunity to give awards to all those individuals who worked hard to research, promote and disseminate Indian Sign Language, the first time such awards were given in recognition of those working on Sign Language. These awards, named the DEAF REACH awards, were given to 10 individuals from India and abroad. The Governor sweetly consented to sign these plaques, another first! (Just to mention the Governor doesn't sign awards or certificates, except those of two Universities of which he is the Chancellor!) We also gave scrolls of honor to our friends who have supported us in our work these many years. Several National TV channels broadcasted the event in their news bulletins an all the newspapers national and regional covered this event.

India's first National Orientation Course for Sign Language Interpreters: FCF Project Manager, J.S.K.Rao, was asked by the Rehabilitation Council of India to conduct India's first National Orientation Course for Sign Language Interpreters. The 12-day workshop was held in Chennai (Madras). The goal of the workshop was to train teachers, social workers and others working with the Deaf in India in Sign Language Interpreting. This is the first in a series of three workshops to train potential interpreters. This workshop is a historic event in that Sign Language is being finally recognized by the Indian Government and a long standing demand for making communication accessible to the Deaf in India will finally become a reality.

International Week of the Deaf Celebrations: Deaf Reach organized the 44th International Week of the Deaf Celebrations starting from September 30th, which is the International Day of the Deaf. This year our theme was “Deaf Indian in the 21st Century”. The week-long celebrations was inaugurated on September 30th by the Governor of the State of Andhra Pradesh, Dr. C. Rangarajan and the First Lady of the State, Dr. Mrs. Haripriya Rangarajan. The Governor commended our efforts which he termed truly innovative and pioneer efforts in the field of Deaf education in India. Later The First Lady inaugurated the website of the Indian Sign Language Online Dictionary. This website was designed and created by deaf staff and students of Deaf Reach. Our dance troupe of 25 deaf boys and girls performed to the song” Diye Jalte Hain” from the CD “Flame”. Later this troupe traveled to four cities and performed everywhere to rave reviews. The Governor later gave away the Deaf Indian 2001 awards to 7 Deaf Achievers.

Exhibition: Deaf Reach organized an exhibition on deaf history and famous deaf achievers.

Seminar: We had a one day seminar on the theme “Deaf Indian in the 21st Century--Challenges Ahead”. Various people spoke on education, Information Technology, Health education and employment. Almost the entire deaf community of the city turned up for this. Resolutions were made and these were forwarded to the Government both State and Central.

Quiz Contest: Deaf Reach organized the first ever quiz contest for deaf children and youth in our state. We gave away encyclopedias as prizes and the hall was packed with 400 deaf children and youth. This event has motivated deaf children and youth to attend our weekly general knowledge classes every Sunday.

Simultaneously we had a quiz for parents and teachers of the deaf and formed a Parents Association. Many parents volunteered their time and services for our future programs. This event was a milestone as for years we've been trying to have a Parent's Association setup. Future programs were chalked out and now we have decided to meet on the second Saturday of every month. This event also brought about greater networking with other organizations, the Government, schools for the deaf and Deaf Reach.

Deaf Reach expands into more cities: We had a three-day event beginning in the city of Warangal, and in the city of Guntur, and culminating in the city of Vijayawada. We conducted another Deaf Week event in the city of Nashik in the state of Maharashtra.The Government officials in all these cities including the Mayors attended our programs and have promised to help us setup offices and adult education and computer centres in these cities. The ladies wing of the Rotary Club in Nashik has agreed to donate four computers and the Mayor has offered us land. The event was covered by ten newspapers National and regional and five TV stations in five cities.

Relationships and Health Workshop: We were asked by “ Voice to the Deaf Foundation” in Chennai to conduct a four day Relationships and Health Workshop for their staff and members. The Relationships and Health Workshop is an interactive four-day workshop aimed at educating Deaf Indian about sexuality and health leading up to HIV/AIDS awareness. This is currently the only program available to educate the Deaf on HIV/AIDS. This four day workshop was attended by 13 deaf participants from Chennai and Coimbatore. We have also been approached by the Lions Club in Chennai to conduct these workshops in deaf schools in Chennai.

 ADDITIONAL INFO:

DEAFREACH's project Manager, J.S.K. Rao had been a member of the Rehabilitation Council of India's National Sub-Committee on Deafness. (A National policymaking Body under the Indian Government's Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment)

Obituary and Tribute to J.S.K. Rao

We regret to inform you of the sudden death of the founder of Deaf Reach, J.S.K RAO, on the 24th of November, 2001. On the morning of the 24th he suffered a ruptured aortic anemyum/duodenal perforation. He was cremated on the 25th and ashes taken to the HIMALAYAS by Arun Rao.

We at DEAF REACH have pledged to carry through the vision of JSK Rao.

*******

Brief about J.S.K.Rao… A willing warrior for the Deaf.

Born to Varalakshmi and Prof. Jayanti Ramakrishna, JSK grew up on his much-beloved IIT Bombay, campus with his sister Anuradha. His father passed on when he was a young lad of 16. While in the 1st year, B.Sc, he was a dreamer and searching for the truth and real meaning in his life. One day he met a volunteer organization, "The Family", and knew that he had found the answer to his dreams. Some time later, he assisted colleagues in Delhi in the teaching of their deaf son, and this little spark kindled a great fire…. and soon JSK saw that he had found his true vocation, his life's mission… SERVING THE DEAF.

In 1991 JSK moved to Hyderabad to seek out deaf people and met a group of 12 young deaf teenagers whom he took under his wing. These same youngsters are today the mature young leaders of Deaf Reach. He brought them hope, inspiration, friendship and most of all, love… the meaning of which many were previously unaware of. He nurtured each of them in his own inimitable style, placing full confidence in God, both for his own personal growth and progress as well as for that of the deaf in his care. A miraculous transformation then followed, and these same young deaf people were changed from the withdrawn and unconfident people they had been previously to the dynamic and caring people they are today, infusing spirit to make a difference to the deaf community.

In 1997 JSK started a grassroots level Empowerment Program, with Sign Language as the vehicle. He studied, read, attended seminars and fought vociferously for the rights of the deaf. After his appointment to the Rehabilitation Counsel of India Committee on the Hearing Impaired, he was able to bring these pertinent issues to light, and every one working with deafness began to see his wisdom. Sign Language finally began to be accepted as the natural language of the deaf in India.

JSK taught the deaf everything in sign language. He trained them in English, Computers and Self-reliance, and from this sprang the first Deaf Reach Computer Center in Babu Khan in 1999. Another Center was opened the following year, both manned and run totally by the Deaf, who though shaken by the death of JSK, have the confidence to keep on and fulfill his vision of a totally empowered and aware Deaf Community.

The man of a million dreams for the deaf, he went to visit the only university for the deaf in the world, Gallaudet, in Washington DC U.S.A., and returned with ideas aplenty. The important baseline of EMPOWERMENT was the lifeline of the activities of Deaf Reach. He worked tirelessly for the employment of deaf persons and demanded that the government do more for them on every platform. Being a teacher the deaf always called him so and yet his dream was to make the deaf capable of teaching other deaf. It was with this great determination that the Teacher's Training Center was started in Shivrampally on 1st October, 2000.

The year 2001, the most happening year for the Indian Deaf Community, was the year that the Lord saw fit to take him Home to his reward. His dreams for a National Seminar on bilingual education with foreign experts and a pilot workshop for interpreters of the deaf were all fulfilled this year. We feel it is of great significance that the Indian Sign Language Dictionary was released in Coimbatore on the 24th November, the day of his passing. His passing leaves a void too large for any one to fill; not only in all our hearts but also in the deaf world.

---Mrs. Christine Skinner-Lazarus, Chairperson and Mg Director (MLA89-94)