Tata Steel Foundation, ISLRTC and CRC Ranchi Join Hands to Advance Deaf Inclusion Through SABAL-Sanket

Jamshedpur/Ranchi, October 28, 2026: Tata Steel Foundation, the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), and the Composite Regional Centre (CRC), Ranchi, under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on SABAL-Sanket, an initiative aimed at advancing Deaf inclusion and promoting the use of Indian Sign Language (ISL).

The partnership seeks to address communication barriers faced by Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals by strengthening sign language competencies among professionals and communities. As part of the initiative, 10 Master Trainers from TSF will receive training and certification in ISL, creating a dedicated pool of resource persons to support awareness, training, and inclusive practices.

A key focus of SABAL-Sanket is workplace inclusion. Structured training programmes will be conducted for TSF employees to develop basic ISL skills, deepen their understanding of Deaf culture, and encourage accessible communication practices. The partners will also jointly develop learning modules and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials to facilitate sustained learning and wider outreach.

The MoU was signed by Raju, Director, ISLRTC; Suryamani Prasad, Director, CRC Ranchi, and Sourav Roy, CEO, Tata Steel Foundation, in the presence of Amitabh, Head, Skill Development, SABAL and Sports.

The collaboration underscores the shared commitment of the three institutions to creating inclusive workplaces and communities where persons with hearing impairment can participate with dignity, equality, and confidence. Through capacity building, awareness, and accessible communication, SABAL-Sanket aims to strengthen long-term institutional efforts towards Deaf inclusion.

Sharing his thoughts on the collaboration, Sourav Roy, CEO, Tata Steel Foundation, said - “Inclusion begins with communication, and the ability to communicate is fundamental to ensuring equal participation. Our partnership with the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) and CRC Ranchi is a step towards strengthening sign language competencies, building awareness, and fostering environments where Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals can participate with dignity, confidence, and independence.”