Deepalaya Conducts Sign Language Training for Bankers to Promote Inclusive Banking

Deepalaya is conducting a three-day training session for bankers at the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (IIBF), New Delhi from 6-8 May 2026, marking another significant milestone in its journey towards inclusion and accessibility.

A group of 35 bankers from nationalised banks, including Punjab & Sind Bank, is participating in the programme to equip themselves with skills to better serve customers who are hearing-impaired or hard of hearing. The training session is being held in May 2026 at the IIBF Conference Hall in Hauz Khas, New Delhi.

The training focuses on basic Indian Sign Language (ISL) for routine communication, along with key banking terminology to ensure smooth and inclusive customer interactions. This initiative is part of a broader effort by Deepalaya to extend similar training to other nationalised banks in phases.

Deepalaya has consistently demonstrated leadership in inclusion and was among the first NGOs to train its staff to perform the National Anthem in Indian Sign Language, an effort that underscores its commitment to inclusive practices.

The training curriculum has been developed in collaboration with the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) and IIBF. To ensure high-quality delivery, two experienced interpreters from Odisha have been engaged, alongside facilitators from Deepalaya’s specialised team under its flagship programme for persons with disabilities, Project Sambhav, based in Okhla.

The organization is also exploring the possibility of hosting similar training programmes at its own premises in the future.
This initiative reflects Deepalaya’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusion and contributing to a more equitable and accessible society.