9th Maharashtra Deaf Conference in Yavatmal to unite the deaf people of the state

There are many organisations in India working for the empowerment of disabled people. The ‘State Level Association of Deaf-SLAD’ is one such NGO based in Maharashtra that is dedicated to the welfare of people of the deaf community. SLAD is hosting its annual state level meet- ‘Maharashtra Deaf Conference’ this month in Yavatmal with the support of ‘Mukbadhir Association Yavatmal’.

Ever since its inception in 2012, SLAD has been instrumental in giving voice to the demands of the deaf community. The NGO organizes various events, programs and also takes up the cause of deaf welfare with the authorities through silent marches and protests.

SLAD members believe that to ensure the development of the people of deaf community, it is crucial to spread awareness amongst them. Being aware of their rights can empower the people to seek equal opportunities in the society. SLAD has been proactively encouraging the deaf people to come together and know more about their rights and raise demands.

9th Maharashtra Deaf Conference of SLAD

On 22 December the 9th Maharashtra Deaf Conference of SLAD will again provide a platform to the deaf people to meet and learn more about each other.
Manoj Patwari, President, State Level Association of the Deaf (SLAD)  shared his views with Newz hook.

We have achieved a few milestones in the last one year and there is a long way to go. We had taken our demands to the previous government and now we will approach the new state government. The main obstacle in the development of deaf people is the language and communication barrier. We want the government to take steps to overcome the problems. Sign language interpreters are needed by the deaf people to communicate with others and the shortage of interpreters in government departments isolates the deaf community. Manoj Patwari, President, State Level Association of the Deaf

The aim of the conference will be to bring the deaf community together in presence of various deaf leaders, activists, government representatives etc. Delegates from many districts of Maharashtra are invited to the conference.

Several topics will be discussed at the conference that are crucial for the development of deaf people. These include talks about government policies, youth guidance, women empowerment, education etc. SLAD’s performance over the past one year will be presented with details of the achievements of the organization. Shortcomings and failures will also be discussed and plans will be made to overcome them in the future.

The Speakers

Speakers such as Santosh Biradar from Hyderabad, deaf leader Pradeep More and Manoj Patwari will give lectures on various issues. A Zilla Parishad official will also speak at the conference.

Information will be shared at the conference though discussions and presentations by the speakers. The lack of awareness about laws, rights, and government schemes is a major obstacle in the growth of disabled people in India. To overcome these obstacles, SLAD and many such organizations encourage the disabled community to become self-aware.

Ankit Joshi, President, Mukbadhir Association Yavatmal & a delegate of SLAD said,” The conference will help unite deaf people and help them know more about each other. The information they get at the conference will reach other deaf people and create awareness.

SLAD hopes that, delegates, social workers, activists and other attendees will take the valuable information from the conference and share it in their own regions and spread awareness.

To know more about SLAD visit the website: http://www.slad.in/

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