Sign Language Interpreter

RIGHTS Project: Inclusion, Accessibility & Opportunities for the

Differently Abled in Tamil Nadu

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR ENGAGEMENT OF

Sign Language Interpreter - One Stop Social Care Service Centre

1. BASIC DETAILS

TENKASI –I) KADAYANALLUR II) M.N. NALLUR
Duty Station :

CHENNAI- I) SHOLINGANALLUR II) TEYNAMPET

TENKASI –2 (Two)
No of Engagements :

CHENNAI- 2 (Two)

Language
: English & Tamil

Required/preferred

Duration of Contract : 24 months (Renewable subject to performance)

Reporting Officer : Centre Manager-OSC

2. BACKGROUND

i. As per the Census (2011), Tamil Nadu is the sixth most populous state in India

with a population of 72 million, which includes a proportion (1.63 percent) of

Differently Abled Persons compared to the national average of 2.21 percent. A

study that used pooled data from the District Level Household Survey-4 (2012-

13) and Annual Health Survey 2nd updating round (2012-13) reveals that there are

4550 differently abled persons amongst every 100,000 population in Tamil Nadu,

thereby indicating a much higher prevalence of disability in comparison to the

census data. Therefore, if one goes by the estimates of this recent study, about 3.2

million people in Tamil Nadu would live with some form of disability. Moreover,

even these estimations appear on the lower side, significantly since the definition

and type of disabilities have changed to include a larger population group since

the promulgation of the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities Act, 2016

ii. Differently Abled Persons (DAPs) with disabilities face multiple socio-economic

constraints, including poorer health outcomes, lower education levels, limited

economic participation, and higher poverty rates than persons without disabilities.

They often experience exclusion and barriers in accessing health services,

education, employment, transportation, information, care, and rehabilitation

services. Furthermore, households with disabled members are more likely to

experience material hardships–food insecurity, poor housing, lack of access to safe

water and sanitation, and inadequate access to healthcare. Thus, these limitations

and barriers hinder their full and effective participation in society and affect the

country's productive potential, the human capital. To increase human capital and

reduce the achievement gap among people with disabilities, a coordinated and

comprehensive package of interventions appears warranted for addressing the

individual and community contexts at multiple and systemic levels.

iii. Tamil Nadu has always been a pioneer in the implementation of welfare schemes

for all sections of socially disadvantaged groups. Through its various initiatives

and schemes, the Department for the Welfare of the Differently Abled (DWDAP)

has extended full support to the differently abled people in their pursuit of full and

equal involvement in every aspect of society. The DWDAP is mainly responsible

for all administrative, statutory and service delivery functions, which are

implemented through its well-experienced workforce at the state, district and local

levels. The thrust areas of the DWDAP are prevention and early interventions,

special education, employment & vocational training, social security

(maintenance allowance, travel concession, assistance to NGOs), aids &

appliances, and barrier-free structure. Recently, DWDAP conducted a pilot project

in a few blocks of the state and has identified a need for a multi-sectoral, whole-

government, and capacity-building approach to care and rehabilitation of the

differently abled.

iv. The RIGHTS Project focuses on three pillars: first, promote inclusion of all by

ensuring that persons with disabilities participate equally with others in any

activity and service intended for the general public, such as education, health,

employment, and social services; second, improve the access of specialized

programs by investing in specific measures for quality care, rehabilitation, and

support services; and third, provide opportunities for persons with disabilities for

completion of education, skills training, and market-linked employment

opportunities. However, to manage the project at the proposed scale, substantial

efforts would be required to build the current institutional capacity of the DWDAP

at all levels in terms of field units for administration, service delivery, supervision

and monitoring, along with the autonomous capacity.

v. The project would be managed through the Directorate for Welfare of the

Differently Abled (DWDA), led by the Project Director (PD) RIGHTS project

cum Director DWDA, in the future also referred to as PD, and would have a

team of consultants. District Project Implementation Unit in each district will

oversee the activities at the district level headed by District Differently Abled

Welfare Officer (DDAWO). It will have a team of District Project Officers.

vi. To provide the overall process coordination of successful delivery of the

RIGHTS project, the DWDA for its RIGHTS PROJECT is seeking an interested

and qualified person to be engaged as a Sign Language Interpreter - in the One

Stop Social Care Service centre in each subdivision during the project

implementation.

3 OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE

Under the supervision of the Centre Manager-OSC, the incumbent will be

responsible for the activities related to Special Education for the differently

abled.

Assist hearing impaired persons in their communication both receptively and

expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary.

T he roles and responsibilities of Sign Language interpreter are as follows,

Helps the deaf person in communicating with OSC staff.

Do interpretation during meetings and gatherings for the benefits of Speech

and hearing loss persons.

Train the caregivers/ families of Deaf and Hard of Hearing attending the

centre in sign language.

Collaborate with the other specialists and provide them knowledge in sign

language

Need to deliver tele consultation as when needed.

Need to travel in mobile unit for assessment and treatment related to special

education

4 REPORTING AND REVIEW

The Sign Language Interpreter will report to Centre Manager-OSC

5 EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

Sign Language Interpreter requires dynamic, experienced, and analytical professionals

with demonstrated experience in programs related to disability.

i) Sign Language Interpreters should possess a valid full time Diploma in Indian Sign

Language Interpretation from a RCI recognised institution.

ii) Preferably 3 years post-qualification experience in areas relating to service delivery

for persons with disabilities, particularly in care, support, and rehabilitation services

is preferred.

iii) Demonstrated understanding of centre-based rehabilitation activities related to

Special Education

• Preference will be given to Differently Abled Person

6. Skills Required

i) Should have patience and empathy towards DAPs.

The candidate must be a good observant, patient and reliable with a desire to

work with persons with disabilities.

Computer proficiency and good knowledge of MS-office, or equivalent

computer applications are required.

Ability to work in teams and liaise well with others.

7. Remuneration

i) The remuneration for the Sign Language Interpreter would be Rs. 15,000 per

month. Only travel expenses will be paid additionally as per actuals. The Sign

Language Interpreter will be at Subdivision level OSC during the contract period.

Sign Language Interpreters may require travelling as per Project requirements.

ii) Sign Language Interpreters will have to attend OSC on all working days unless on

an official tour as approved by Centre Manager-OSC. Sign Language Interpreter

may also be required to attend office or need to travel in the mobile unit for

assessment on holidays as and when desired by PD/DPIU/SPIU/other higher

officials for disposal of urgent matters. However, no extra remuneration will be

paid for attending the office on holidays.