New initiatives and innovative thinking are markers of growth and development in any organization. Being a growing institution, NISH welcomes new initiatives and takes efforts to implement them within the framework of our goals and vision. These may involve technology implementation, adapting strategies or reviewing existing methods so that we meet the current needs. Some of the new initiatives being pursued currently are the following: 

• Innovative methods in the classrooms

• Student empowerment

• Industry partnership

• Proposes and introduces new programs and facilities to improve NISH overall

 

The ‘New Initiatives’ department has the following in focus

 

Major initiatives 

Training & Industry Placement (TIP) 

Training in different areas are arranged for the deaf and hard of hearing graduates. Volunteers and mentors from various organizations conduct mock interviews for the prospective candidates. Placement support is offered to the graduates of various programs. Recruitment drives are also arranged.

 

Volunteering and Internship Opportunity

NISH provides volunteering and internship opportunity for graduates and students from India or abroad. Volunteers are to fill up an application form and should have recommendations from two persons (preferably professors, employers or others who are closely involved). The volunteer application is available at the following link: http://nish.ac.in/others/downloads. The applications are reviewed and the applicant will be notified with two weeks.

 

Those who would like to apply for internship should apply through their institutions. There is an application form to be filled up to determine their suitability: http://nish.ac.in/others/downloads

The volunteers and interns will be placed in a department where they can be most productive and have a fruitful experience. The preference of the applicant will be given priority wherever possible. A supervisor will be assigned and a formal letter with the details will be issued as soon as the application is approved by the Executive Director.

 

Generally there is no restriction in time period for volunteer work as they can choose the time and period as per their convenience depending on the need of the department. Internship applications are generally considered for minimum of one month and may extend up to a semester.

Certificates are also issued following completion of the same

 

Observership

NISH offers opportunities to observe and study a particular process or activity, and enables the medical professionals, graduates and students to become more aware of disability, disability education, disability sciences, and of people living with a disability.

 

In-service training(IST)

NISH’s in-service training is meant to further participants’ understanding and knowledge of different teaching strategies to help improve learning outcomes of deaf and hard of hearing students, and to learn of the practices being followed at NISH to teach the Deaf students. The trainees will also get trained in the basics of Indian Sign Language. This program is mainly for those teachers working with Deaf students in other schools and colleges.

 

Training of trainers (ToT)

The objective of this training, similar to in-service training, is to focus on the briefing on different teaching strategies, practice at NISH, and Indian Sign Language.

 

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NIDAS

The NISH Online Interactive Disability Awareness Seminar (NIDAS), launched in 2015, is a first-of-its-kind webinar series conducted by the National Institute of Speech & Hearing (NISH) and funded by the Directorate of Social Justice, Government of Kerala (Malayalam NIDAS).

The objective of NIDAS is to reach parents and caregivers across the globe who may not be fully aware of the implications of disability. The platform enables participants to ask questions and receive immediate guidance from experts. Specialists from diverse fields are invited to deliver sessions that offer practical, actionable insights. These are awareness-focused sessions, free from technical jargon, and delivered in simple, understandable language.

To ensure effective implementation of Chapter VIII, Section 39 of the RPwD Act, 2016, NIDAS operates on three major thrust areas:

• • AWARENESS
  • SENSITISATION
  • TRAINING

The topics covered are aligned with disabilities commonly seen among children and adults, and all 21 disabilities listed in the Act are addressed. Sessions are conducted on weekdays.

NIDAS also hosts a dedicated website where upcoming sessions, archived content, and resource materials are made available: http://nidas.nish.ac.in/