In Maharashtra, as the SSC exams kick off today, a remarkable group of 12 deaf-mute students is defying all odds to prepare for this significant milestone. Among them is Salik Kotwal, a 19-year-old student from Kurla, who once thought completing his education and securing a job in a corporate setting was merely a distant dream. Passing school itself seemed like an insurmountable challenge for Salik, but now, as he gears up for his board exams, the possibility of success feels closer than ever.
In a heartwarming display of determination and resilience, Salik and his peers from TEACH (Training and Educational Centre for Hearing Impaired) are set to appear for the SSC board exams on February 24. These 12 students, who had never been exposed to English education before, will take on the English language paper after receiving specialized training from the dedicated teachers at TEACH, a charitable trust in Mumbai that aims to provide educational opportunities for students with hearing and speech impairments.
Challenges of Inclusive Education
In a time where the concept of ‘inclusive education’ is increasingly discussed, India still grapples with a lack of effective support systems and trained educators in sign language, leaving many students with hearing and speech impairments without access to quality education. Recognizing this gap, TEACH has emerged as a beacon of hope for these students, ensuring that obstacles do not hinder their academic progress.
As the SSC exams draw near, we delve into the stories of these 12 students from TEACH, uncovering their study strategies, personal journeys, and the unwavering support that has propelled them towards this crucial juncture. Set to appear for their board exams from two schools in Mazagaon, these students are facing the challenge with confidence and a readiness to surmount the hurdles ahead.
StudentSpeak: Overcoming Adversity
Salik Kotwal shared his transformative experience, recounting his struggles in a previous school where the lack of proper explanation and communication in Indian Sign Language left him feeling isolated and discouraged. However, upon joining TEACH, Salik found the support and attention he needed to comprehend his lessons, paving the way for newfound positivity and a belief in achieving his aspirations with the help of dedicated teachers like Prajakta Pawar.
Similarly, Shrutika Pawar from Kalyan echoed Salik’s sentiments, reflecting on her time at a special school where unclear sign language and reliance on speech made learning a challenging endeavor. With TEACH’s focus on English language acquisition and effective communication, Shrutika found renewed confidence in preparing for her SSC exam, underscoring the transformative impact of tailored support and inclusive education.
Lack of Trained Educators and Mission for Inclusion
Prajakta Pawar, a teacher at TEACH, shed light on a critical issue plaguing the education system for students with hearing impairments— the dearth of trained educators proficient in sign language. Many students, like those at TEACH, often come from schools where communication in Indian Sign Language varies, posing significant barriers to learning and academic progress.
In 2016, driven by a mission to empower hearing-impaired students with access to higher education, corporate professionals Aman Sharma and Deepesh Nair founded TEACH. Recognizing the glaring gap in educational opportunities for the hearing impaired in Maharashtra, the TEACH team embarked on a journey to provide specialized education tailored to the unique needs of these students. With a focus on English language proficiency and comprehensive academic support, TEACH has emerged as a trailblazer in ensuring that students with hearing impairments have a pathway to higher education and career advancement.
As the number of students at TEACH continues to grow across its centers in Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi, the core team members, along with a dedicated cadre of special educators proficient in sign language, work tirelessly to equip students with the tools and skills needed to navigate the educational landscape and secure a brighter future. Through a holistic approach encompassing English, Math, Computers, and behavioral skills training, TEACH aims to instill confidence, independence, and a sense of purpose in its students, fostering a community of learners who dare to dream big.
Stay tuned as we follow the inspiring journey of these 12 deaf-mute students as they embark on their SSC board exams, armed with determination, resilience, and a shared vision of a future brimming with possibilities. The stories of Salik Kotwal, Shrutika Pawar, and their peers serve as testaments to the transformative power of education, support, and unwavering determination in overcoming barriers and achieving success.
