Empowering the deaf
Development, Education, Empowerment of the Disadvantaged in Society (DEEDS)’s pioneering training programme in housekeeping, retail and hospitality
“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”
Hearing disability is often referred to as the invisible disability, one that is too frequently overlooked. In India, there are over 17 million hearing disabled individuals, yet less than 0.1 per cent of NGOs work toward their rehabilitation and uplift.
DEEDS (Development, Education, Empowerment of the Disadvantaged in Society) is committed to “Turning Disabilities into Abilities” and transforming the lives of individuals with hearing disability by promoting their inclusion in the workforce. This is done by providing free education, skill training and job placement opportunities for them.
To prepare the hearing disabled youth for meaningful employment, DEEDS offers a specialised training programme in housekeeping, retail trade and hospitality, equipping them with the skills to excel in these sectors. Launched in 2019, the two-month hospitality programme covers a wide range of essential skills, including pre-kitchen preparation, food and beverage services, inventory management and packaging. Participants also gain hands-on experience in housekeeping tasks, guest relations, table settings and banquet preparations, along with training in cleaning techniques and equipment maintenance.
Additionally, the programme focusses on workplace etiquette and professional readiness, ensuring that participants are fully prepared for entry-level roles in the industry. Given that the deaf community may require additional time to adjust to workplace environments, DEEDS provides continuous support to help them overcome challenges and successfully integrate into the workforce.
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Courtesy this programme and the support of its valued patrons, DEEDS has successfully placed many hearing disabled youth in hospitality businesses, including Sofitel, Taj Group of Hotels, Novotel, Hotel Courtyard Marriott, Restaurant Bombay Brasserie, Copper Chimney, Parsi Dairy Farm, and Sasha Integrated Services.
By raising awareness, the aim is to encourage more members of the hospitality industry to join us in this mission. The patronage not only helps DEEDS continue providing these life-changing opportunities but also represents a commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. Supporting deaf youth goes beyond offering jobs – it affirms the belief in the potential of every individual and fosters a more inclusive workforce.
