Organised by: Graham Bell Centre for the Deaf (GBCD)
Period: 21–26 September 2026
Operational Areas: Polba-Dadpur, Dhaniakhali, Balagarh and Pandua Blocks, Hooghly District, West Bengal
Total Participation: 1,736
1. Background
Graham Bell Centre for the Deaf (GBCD) observed Deaf Week Celebration 2026 from 21 to 26 September 2026 across its four operational blocks of Hooghly District. The initiative was undertaken to promote awareness about the rights, abilities, communication needs and social inclusion of deaf and hard-of-hearing persons.
The week-long programme provided a platform for deaf children and persons with hearing impairment, parents, teachers, peers, community members and other stakeholders to come together and communicate the importance of inclusive education, accessible communication, family support and equal participation.
The activities primarily included awareness rallies, community mobilisation, public awareness messaging, leaflet distribution and interaction with parents and community stakeholders.
2. Event-wise Description
21 September 2026 – Polba BLRC
The Deaf Week Celebration commenced at Polba BLRC with an awareness rally and community sensitization programme. Deaf children, parents, GBCD staff and community members participated in the rally. Awareness messages highlighting the rights, abilities and potential of deaf persons were shared with the wider community. The programme marked the beginning of the week-long campaign across GBCD’s operational areas.
22 September 2026 – Dhaniakhali BLRC
An awareness rally was organized at Dhaniakhali BLRC on 22 September. Deaf children, CwDs, parents, teachers, community members, eminent businessman, Police and other stakeholders participated actively. The rally focused on increasing public awareness about deafness, the importance of appropriate communication, the usefulness of hearing aids and the need for a supportive and inclusive environment for deaf children.
23 September 2026 – Dadpur BLRC
On the third day, an awareness programme was organized at Dadpur BLRC. Participants joined the community mobilization activities and shared messages on the importance of education, communication and equal opportunities for deaf children. The programme also provided an opportunity for parents and community members to engage with the broader objectives of Deaf Week. The Officer-in-Charge of Dadpur Police Station was among the distinguished personalities present at the programme.
24 September 2026 – Balagarh BLRC
The Deaf Week programme continued at Balagarh BLRC with an awareness rally and community mobilisation. Deaf children, parents, siblings and community stakeholders participated in the programme. The event highlighted the abilities and rights of deaf persons and encouraged community members to support their participation in education and social life.
26 September 2026 – Pandua: Concluding Programme
The week-long celebration concluded at the GBCD Head Office, Pandua, with an awareness rally and concluding programme. Deaf children, parents, teachers, peers, community members, GBCD staff and other stakeholders participated.
The MLA of Pandua Legislative Assembly and Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Pandua Police Station, along with other guests and well-wishers, attended the concluding programme and expressed their support for initiatives promoting the inclusion and empowerment of deaf persons.
The concluding rally brought together the key messages of the week—awareness, acceptance, communication, education, equal opportunity and social inclusion—and provided a collective platform for reaffirming the community’s role in supporting deaf children and persons with hearing impairment.
A district level committee of parents comprising of 10 parents (2 from each 5 BLRC) was also formed to provide parents with a common platform to share their experiences, discuss challenges, raise concerns, and collectively advocate for the rights, education, healthcare, rehabilitation, and social inclusion of their children.
3. Participation
Across the different programmes conducted during Deaf Week, 1,736 participants were reached. Participants included:
4. Key Observations
The week-long activities provided increased visibility to deaf children and persons with hearing impairment within their communities. The participation of parents, teachers, peers and community stakeholders also created opportunities for greater understanding of the communication and educational needs of deaf children.
The rallies and public awareness activities further helped communicate that deaf persons have the right to education, communication, dignity, participation and equal opportunities.
5. Conclusion
The Deaf Week Celebration 2026 successfully brought together deaf children, families, community members and local stakeholders across GBCD’s four operational blocks. Through a series of awareness rallies and community-based activities, the programme strengthened public awareness and reinforced the importance of creating an inclusive environment for deaf and hard-of-hearing persons.
The initiative also strengthened GBCD’s ongoing efforts to promote awareness, communication, inclusive education and empowerment of deaf persons in rural communities.
GBCD acknowledges the participation and support of the families, children, community members, teachers, local stakeholders and all well-wishers who contributed to making the Deaf Week Celebration 2026 meaningful and inclusive.
