Deaf Enabled Foundation (DEF)

Deaf Enabled Foundation is a Deaf-led organisation established in 2009 that works towards equal access for Deaf people across education, employment, healthcare and public life. It was founded by a group of Deaf leaders who had been mentored from 1991 by J.S.K. Rao, and who continued his advocacy for Indian Sign Language after his death in 2001. The Foundation states its vision as deafness with dignity and equality, and a society where Deaf people have equal opportunities to participate in all walks of life. Its work covers barrier free communication, vocational and academic support, cultural awareness and community development, and it serves Deaf and hard of hearing people alongside hearing people who want to learn Indian Sign Language. DEF runs Indian Sign Language classes and an interpreter service under DEF-ISL, vocational and IT training under DEF-Skills, academic coaching under DEF-Academy, and the EduSign Academy online platform for Deaf students in matriculation and degree programmes. It also runs SIGN CARE for accessible healthcare, the DEF-ISL mobile app and ISL dictionary, and advocacy work covering women, youth and children. The organisation operates centres in several Indian states and holds partnerships with corporate and hospital supporters.