Challenges in Hearing and Speech, Not in the Flight of Dreams: Commission Member Kuldip Jain Visits Welfare Centre to Review Students’ Rights

Every Child Deserves the Opportunity for Education, Dignity and Self-Reliance: Kuldip Jain

Special Needs, Equal Rights: Education, Rehabilitation, Vocational Training and Hostel Living Conditions of Students Reviewed

Gurugram, 

Sh. Kuldip Jain, Hon’ble Member (Judicial), Haryana Human Rights Commission, Chandigarh, today inspected the Welfare Centre for Persons with Speech and Hearing Impairment, located at Chandan Nagar, Sector 15, Part II, Gurugram. The purpose of the inspection was to assess the living conditions, education, rehabilitation, vocational training and difficulties faced by the students residing at the centre.

During the inspection, Ms. Navita, Assistant Director of the centre, briefed the Hon’ble Member about the institution’s functioning, educational facilities, hostel arrangements, vocational training programmes and the achievements of its students. She informed him that the centre operates under the Haryana Welfare Society for Persons with Speech and Hearing Impairment, Panchkula. Established in 1971, the Society works for the welfare of persons with speech and hearing impairments. The Deputy Commissioner serves as the local District Chairman of the centre, while the institution is headed by the Assistant Director.

*Education and Hostel Facilities Reviewed*

The centre in Gurugram provides education from early intervention through Class X and is affiliated with the Board of School Education Haryana. At present, a total of 259 students are enrolled at the centre, comprising 95 girls and 164 boys.

Separate hostel facilities for boys and girls are available within the campus, with 102 students currently residing there. Teaching is imparted using Indian Sign Language. In addition, students are provided with facilities for computer education, arts and crafts, counselling and skill development.

*Vocational Training to Promote Self-Reliance*

Along with formal education, the centre provides employment-oriented and vocational training to students. The programmes include ITI trades such as fitter and welder, as well as training in stitching, embroidery and other livelihood-oriented activities.

These programmes aim to equip students with practical skills, prepare them for future employment opportunities and enable them to become self-reliant.

*Students Excel in Sports* 

During the inspection, Sh. Kuldip Jain expressed pleasure upon learning about the sporting achievements of the students. He appreciated the fact that students from the centre actively participate in various sporting activities and have achieved notable success through their talent and dedication. The students participate in athletics, badminton, table tennis, chess, cricket, volleyball and judo, among other sports. They won a total of 54 medals at the 9th Haryana State Games for the Deaf. In addition, the students secured four medals at the National Games for the Deaf held in Gujarat, further demonstrating their sporting talent and capabilities.

During the inspection, various aspects relating to the students’ living conditions, educational and rehabilitation facilities, availability of vocational training and practical difficulties faced by them were reviewed.

Dr. Puneet Arora, Assistant Registrar, Haryana Human Rights Commission, informed that such inspections are aimed at assessing issues concerning the rights, dignity, safe living environment, and educational and developmental opportunities of persons with disabilities, particularly students with speech and hearing impairments.He added that the Commission endeavours to ensure that every student gets equal opportunities to pursue education in a dignified environment, develop individual talents and move towards self-reliance. Such inspections play an important role in bringing matters concerning the welfare and holistic development of students with disabilities into focus.