NTRODUCTION:

Development Self-Esteem of the Deaf was founded in 2016 as a body of young persons with a

serious feeling of responsibility towards their less fortunate brethren. The feeling of oneness of 

the deaf community is a unique feeling that is peculiar to a group of person linked by a common 

language. Sign Language provides the ultimate in socialization for the deaf and also is the natural

language of the deaf.  On these 2 basic premises the education and other associated welfare 

programs.

The Mission:

Deaf people in Maharashtra and India are suffering from a lack of adequate support services that 

would enable them to participate fully in the mainstream of society.  They are excluded in critical 

area of education and consequentially employment.  The person in close contact with the deaf such

 as parents, teachers, family members, siblings and so on are also ignorant by and large of the 

special needs and socio-emotional make up of the deaf person they are so close to. To help 

demystify the deaf and their problems, at the same time to provide location where all queries are 

answered to a great degree of satisfaction and services are also rendered (for the most part freely

to the ones who are  needy enough to warrant it ) at this centre.

Indigenous Sign Language Development:

The multilingualism of India has posed a challenge to the development of sign language in India. 

There is no single sign language school for the deaf all over the country has evolved their own

variations of sign language. Development Self-Esteem of the Deaf is conducting classes on an

ad hoc basis in schools and helping to fill gaps in sign language comprehension in these schools.

We have also helped to create the first ever sign language dictionary for the deaf in Latur.

Leadership Training Seminars

In today's rapidly changing world, the need for the infusion for young and dynamic leadership is 

becoming increasingly apparent and the deaf world is no exception to this crying need. The deaf

need direction and training and their talents and capabilities need channeling. Development Self-Esteem

of the Deaf has been providing in-depth leadership training to members of the deaf community by

conducting weekly leadership training seminars in which a core group of trainees receive input in fields 

like Organization, Communication, and Personal Deportment. These trainees in turn share their knowledge

with other young deaf people throughout the country.  

Family Counselling

Many deaf couples have hearing children and this poses a unique communication and socialization problem.

Development Self-Esteem of the Deaf has been providing a supportive environment for such couples and

giving an opportunity and a forum to gather together and discuss problems and solutions. Regular seminars 

are also held to train deaf couples in the area of a child development and child care from toddler to grade 

school age. 

Socialization & Value Education in Schools 

Development Self-Esteem of the Deaf has been involved in conducting Value Education programs in 

deaf schools as a means of providing positive socialization to deaf children. Deaf children growing up

 in a hearing environment have little or no exposure to deaf community. Development Self-Esteem of

 the Deaf's volunteers, both deaf and hearing, have played an important role in broadening the minds

 of the children by conducting regular classes and shows with dramas and skits and open forum

 interaction. This helps the children get more exposure to the Deaf Community and experience the 

extended family and culture that they are part of. They are taught basic moral values, manners and 

social graces to help them learn how to carry themselves well. They are also counselled about the

 dangers of substance abuse, a very common phenomenon among teenagers. In Maharashtra and

 India Development Self-Esteem of the Deaf has done many such programs in schools all over the country.