All India Federation of Deaf

The All India Federation of the Deaf (AIFD) was established in 1955 and registered as a Society in 1965. With over 70 years of dedicated service, AIFD has been working relentlessly for the empowerment, inclusion, and rights of Deaf persons in India, with the objective of enabling them to become self-reliant, dignified, and respected citizens of the country.

AIFD is the sole official national organization affiliated with the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, a United Nations recognized body and the World Federation of the Deaf Regional Secretariat for Asia (WFDRSA); Through this affiliation, AIFD represents the voices and concerns of the Indian Deaf community at international platforms and actively contributes to global discussions on Deaf rights and sign language development.

The Federation has a strong national presence with 18 affiliated State Deaf Associations across India, ensuring grassroots-level engagement and advocacy. AIFD plays a key role in policy advocacy, particularly in the promotion and recognition of Indian Sign Language (ISL), accessibility, inclusive education, employment opportunities, and human rights of Deaf persons.

Over the decades, AIFD has successfully organized numerous national and international conferences, workshops, training programmes, and awareness campaigns in collaboration with government ministries, statutory bodies, and international organizations. AIFD has also been actively involved in consultations and advisory committees related to disability policies, sign language development, and interpreter standards in India.

Through its sustained efforts, AIFD continues to serve as a leading voice of the Deaf community, striving towards an inclusive society where Deaf persons enjoy equal opportunities, full participation, and linguistic rights.

The AIFD founded its Training Centre (Multipurpose Training Centre for the Deaf) in 1970, Hostel (AIFD Hostel for Deaf) in 1983, Sports (All India Sports Council of the Deaf) in 1965, Cultural (Deaf Cultural Society) in 1992, Youth Section (AIFD Youth Section) in 2022, Women Section (AIFD Women Section) in 2023.