**Summary:**
On August 12, 2025, the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, inaugurated a 15-day RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) Certification in Indian Sign Language Interpretation (CISLI) training program. This program is exclusively designed for Children of Deaf Adults (CODA) and Siblings of Deaf Adults (SODA). The inauguration took place at ISLRTC, New Delhi, with Ms. Richa Shankar, Deputy Director General, DEPwD, as the Chief Guest, and Shri Jasbeer Singh, Deputy Secretary, Awareness, General and Publicity (AGP) Schemes, DEPwD, as the Special Guest. Mr. Kumar Raju, Director of ISLRTC, welcomed the 18 participants. The program aims to formally recognize and certify the existing ISL skills of CODA and SODA individuals. Ms. Shankar reiterated the Government of India and DEPwD's commitment to empowering the Indian Sign Language community and enhancing ISL interpretation services. Key personnel involved in the program include Sh. Harish Soni (Asst. Professor and Program Coordinator) and Ms. Khushboo Soni (Co-Coordinator), along with other Assistant Professors, Master Trainers, and Deaf Instructors.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Social Justice Empowerment: The Indian government ministry responsible for social justice and empowerment.
ISLRTC: Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre, an organization involved in sign language research and training.
RPLCISLI Training Program: Recognition of Prior Learning Certification in ISL Interpretation training program.
CODA: Children of Deaf Adults
SODA: Siblings of Deaf Adults
New Delhi: Location of ISLRTC and the venue for the inauguration, Delhi, India.
DEPwD: Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
Richa Shankar: Deputy Director General, DEPwD, and Chief Guest at the inauguration.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
ISLRTC Inaugurates RPL-CISLI Training Program
for CODA & SODA
Posted On: 12 AUG 2025 8:18PM by PIB Delhi
The Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) launched the 15-day RPL – Certification
in ISL Interpretation (CISLI) training program exclusively for CODA (Children of Deaf Adults) and SODA
(Siblings of Deaf Adults).
Inauguration was held at ISLRTC, New Delhi, Ms. Richa Shankar, Deputy Director General, DEPwD,
gracing the occasion as Chief Guest. Special Guest Shri Jasbeer Singh, Deputy Secretary, Awareness, General
and Publicity (AGP) Schemes, DEPwD.
Shri Kumar Raju Director ISLRTC welcomed the participants and highlighted the significance of this
specially curated training program aimed at recognizing and certifying their existing ISL skills.
Ms. Richa Shankar congratulated all selected candidates and emphasized the Government of India and
DEPwD's commitment toward empowering the Indian Sign Language community and strengthening ISL
interpretation services. She also interacted with participants, listened to their perspectives, and encouraged
them to contribute ideas for future initiatives.
The candidates expressed deep gratitude to ISLRTC and DEPwD for launching this much-awaited
short-term course tailored for CODA and SODA. Total 18 candidates joined the course.Special thanks were extended to Secretary, DEPwD for his visionary leadership and continued support in
making this specialized training a reality.
Sh. Harish Soni Asst Professor program Coordinator and Ms. Khushboo Soni Co- Cordinator and all the Asst.
Professors, Master trainers, Deaf Instructors also attended the program.
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KV
(Release ID: 2155824)