PAD's Computer Literacy Center
At PAD’s Computer Literacy Center, deaf teachers teaches deaf students using Sign Language. Here we teach office automation, Email + internet, presentation skills and graphics tools. A number of deaf students who learned I.T. courses at PAD got jobs in different companies.
Basic Literacy Course
Since long PAD has been offering basic literacy course to deaf children and adults who were not able to go to formal school for some reasons. In this course we teach basic Urdu, English, Math etc. The aim of this program is to fight against illiteracy and make them able to read, write and understand Urdu/English at some level.
English Language Course
Since start PAD realized the importance of English Language and started providing the training of English language course to deaf students. After the emergence of communication tools (Email, SMS, instant messaging software) more and more deaf people became interested in English Language course, as this gave them freedom to communicate with worldwide deaf community. Moreover these latest communication tools are effectively utilized in English language.
Sign Language Course
Deaf community lives with hearing community; we always encourage hearing people to learn sign language and break the barrier of communication to support us in building an inclusive society. PAD always welcomes hearing people who want to learn sign language for either reason (for becoming teacher of the deaf or communicating with their deaf children or relatives etc). Our sign language course is open for all hearing people.
Sign Language committee
PAD promotes the natural language of the deaf (Sign Language). Sign language committee at PAD has been working since many years and has published 5 books on Pakistan Sign Language. PAD has also developed a CD on Pakistan Sign Language in collaboration with IUCN/SDNPK.
Summer Course
In summer vacations PAD offers packages that include help in education problems, fun time with computer, artwork and recreational tours.
Public Awareness Programs
PAD not only organizes different social events for public awareness, but also arranges seminars and programs for the cause. So far we have arranged walks on the Rights of persons with disabilities, seminar on Right of access to information, Right of driving and also celebrated Aids Day, Children's Day, Independence Day etc.
Helping Affiliated Organizations
PAD has many affiliated member organizations. Most organizations are from rural areas. PAD always encourages them to come out freely, and share information with others. We are also encouraging them to set up computer literacy center in their centers/clubs. In this connection, we have also offered training to their key persons. PAD also supports poor and needy deaf individuals through Zakat fund.
Job Placement
Finding job is really a hard task for some people, especially for people with disabilities. PAD has always tried to help deaf people in finding jobs so that they can earn some income and live independently. In past, we were able to help some deaf people in finding job by convincing companies to help deaf people. But at the same time we feel that there is lot more to do in this field, we are planning a new strategy (skill + job) and hoping that this strategy will helps us in future. KFC Restaurant opened a branch for the first time in Pakistan that is run and maintained by deaf persons. KFC experienced it in Malaysia and then in Pakistan. Deaf persons from PAD were selected to work at KFC and they are performing their duties well.
Marriage Affairs of the Deaf
We have a women wing to look after deaf women affairs. Marriage counseling and match making is one of the responsibility of women wing. Deaf + Deaf marriages are more successful but as deaf are less in number than hearing community, their families feel difficulties in finding appropriate match for their deaf children. Parents of deaf girls face more problems in finding a trustworthy match. Many deaf girls become overage just because of unavailability of suitable match. PAD, being an association of the deaf, feel the responsibility to help parents of these deaf children. In past we arranged many successful marriages of deaf boys and girls as we are willing to help more and more families.
Recreational Programs
PAD always takes care of needs for healthy mind. Healthy body is must for healthy mind, so we try to provide our members and their families some happy moments. These recreational tours not only give them relaxation but also bring these families more closer that helps in finding new friends and opportunities for making matches for their deaf relatives. |
Projects
