NCED Convention in India
The Annual Convention of Educators of the Deaf was held in Meghalaya from 10 to 12 December, 2007. It was hosted by the Meghalaya chapter of the NCED-India at the Ferrando Speech and Hearing Centre, Barapani under the stewardship of Sr. Merly Tom, Principal of the Centre.
Sr. Merly Tom and the office bearers of the Meghalaya Chapter excelled themselves in organising the convention, attended by over 200 delegates, in a remote hill area. Sr. Merly and her team acknowledged IDCS-India’s support, both technical and financial, with gratitude. IDCS-India’s technical input was well accepted and implemented by the Meghalaya team. IDCS-India’s financial contribution provided the overall support which enabled the organisers to conduct what was reported to be the best convention held so far.
The impact of our impact is evident in the number of papers presented on parent involvement and informed choice. Eight out of a total of sixteen papers presented at the Conference covered these two themes. The papers were of a good standard and well presented. The interest taken by the delegates in the proceedings and their active participation were indicators that the Convention was well received.
The Convention was well attended with representations from the North-Eastern States, the eastern States of West Bengal and Orissa, the southern States of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, the western States of Maharashtra and Gujarat, the northern State of Punjab, the central Indian State of Madhya Pradesh and the capital - New Delhi. The impact of the Convention was indeed national.
It is reported that this was the first time that recommendations have been made at the end of an NCED Conference. This provides a platform for discussions with the Govt. and other concerned bodies on issues concerning the education of the deaf and a follow up of the discussions. It is expected that such a development will have positive repercussions on the educational scene in India.
